Generate videos in Gemini and Whisk with Veo 2

Starting today, Gemini Advanced users can generate and share videos using our state-of-the-art video model, Veo 2. In Gemini, you can now translate text-based prompts into dynamic videos. Google Labs is also making Veo 2 available through Whisk, a generative AI experiment that allows you to create new images using both text and image prompts, and now animate them into videos.

By Angela Sun, Director of Multimodal Platforms, Gemini app & Olivia Sturman, Product Manager, Google Labs

Create videos in Gemini

Veo 2 represents a leap forward in video generation, designed to produce high-resolution, detailed videos with cinematic realism. By better understanding real-world physics and human motion, it delivers fluid character movement, lifelike scenes and finer visual details across diverse subjects and styles. 

To generate videos, select Veo 2 from the model dropdown in Gemini. This feature creates an eight-second video clip at 720p resolution, delivered as an MP4 file in a 16:9 landscape format. There is a monthly limit on how many videos you can create, but we will notify you as you approach them.

Creating videos with Gemini is simple: just describe the scene you want to create — whether it’s a short story, a visual concept, or a specific scene — and Gemini will bring your ideas to life. The more detailed your description, the more control you have over the final video. This opens up a world of fun creative possibilities, letting your imagination go wild to picture unreal combinations, explore varied visual styles from realism to fantasy, or quickly narrate short visual ideas.

 

 

One of the best parts of creating is sharing with others! Sharing your video on mobile is easy: simply tap the share button to quickly upload engaging short videos to platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts. 

Video generation is now rolling out to Gemini Advanced subscribers globally on web and mobile, starting today and continuing over the next few weeks. This feature is available in all languages Gemini supports. With video generation in Gemini, you don’t need complicated software, specialized equipment, or any prior experience to get creative. Try it out today at gemini.google.com. 

How Whisk Animate brings your images to life 

Introduced this December, Whisk helps you create images using both text and image prompts to quickly explore and visualize new ideas. Today, those capabilities are expanding further with Whisk Animate. Launching today for Google One AI Premium subscribers globally, this new feature will allow you to take the images you generate and instantly turn them into vivid eight-second videos with Veo 2. Subscribers can try Whisk Animate today at labs.google/whisk.

How Safety is approached 

We’ve taken important steps to make video generation a safe experience. This includes extensive red teaming and evaluation aimed at preventing the generation of content that violates our policies. Additionally, all videos generated with Veo 2 are marked with SynthID, a digital watermark embedded in each frame, which indicates the videos are AI-generated.

Gemini’s outputs are primarily determined by user prompts and like any generative AI tool, there may be instances where it generates content that some individuals find objectionable. We’ll continue to listen to your feedback through the thumbs up/down buttons and make ongoing improvements. For more details, you can read about our approach on our website. 

Enjoy making videos in the Gemini app and Whisk as Google One AI Premium subscribers!

Retro Is In: 7 Reasons We’re Still Obsessed with Classic Digital Entertainment

Walk into a tech expo, browse Reddit threads, or tune into the latest gaming podcast, and something becomes obvious pretty fast—retro is back. Not just back like a passing trend, but back like it never really left. There’s something magnetic about the clunky charm of ’80s arcade cabinets and the glitchy intros of ’90s games. And let’s face it—modern life, with its endless updates and dopamine loops, could use a little pixelated soul.

Digital Throwbacks, Modern Twists

It’s not just the visuals or the soundtracks that are making a comeback—it’s the entire experience. Think of how modern streaming platforms are now spotlighting classic anime, or how bands are releasing new tracks on cassette for that lo-fi charm. 

Even some online casinos are tapping into the retro wave, gamifying their platforms with nostalgic visuals and arcade-inspired interfaces. Payment apps are also riding this retro-tech revival, supporting niche hobbies and alternative entertainment formats. Many platforms now accept options like Cash App, offering fast, private transactions with bonus eligibility, strong security, and a user-friendly interface. It’s a seamless match for today’s digital culture. Read more on Card Player to see how this blend of tech and entertainment is evolving. Just another way the old and new are teaming up to keep things interesting. 

Simply put, this blend of vintage style and modern function isn’t just about aesthetics—it taps into something deeper. It reminds us that sometimes the best experiences come from keeping things simple, which brings us to our first reason.

1. Simplicity Still Hits Harder Than You’d Think

Back in the day, games didn’t try to do everything. There were no cinematic cutscenes or fifty-button combos. Just a joystick, a start screen, and maybe a bleep or two if you were lucky. And you know what? That was more than enough.

There’s something beautifully straightforward about that era. You weren’t bogged down by microtransactions or cloud saves. It was pure gameplay, built to challenge you and frustrate you—sometimes in equal measure. Today, we spend hours navigating overly ambitious open worlds. Sometimes, a round of Frogger or Galaga is the perfect reminder that good things don’t always need to be complicated.

2. That Pixel Art? Yeah, It Aged Like Fine Wine

High-res visuals definitely have their moment. But there’s something timeless about the bold, blocky charm of pixel art. The kind you’d find flickering on early handhelds or embedded in the bright sprites of NES classics. It’s not trying to impress with realism—it leans into its own visual language. That’s probably why these retro gaming essentials still hold up today. They’re unapologetically pixelated, and that’s part of the magic.

And here’s the kicker: artists today are deliberately choosing this style, not because they have to, but because they want to. It’s not about nostalgia alone—it’s about style. It’s about evoking feelings with limitations. Modern indie games like Celeste and Shovel Knight don’t just lean on retro looks; they elevate them.

3. Physical Media Has Soul

In a world that’s increasingly digital, there’s something undeniably satisfying about slotting in a cartridge, hearing that click, and watching a game boot up (or not—looking at you, NES).

Cassettes, cartridges, even floppy disks—yeah, they’re fiddly, but they’re real. Physical objects hold memories in a way cloud saves just don’t. That Game Boy from your childhood? It’s not just plastic. It’s a portal. Maybe even a little time machine, if you’re in the right mood.

Today’s tech gives us convenience. But it’s yesterday’s tech that gave us charm. That’s why hardware like the Analogue Pocket or the Evercade isn’t just a gimmick. It’s a love letter.

4. Music You Can Actually Hum

Ever tried humming the theme from a modern shooter? Good luck. Now try the Tetris theme. Or the Super Mario Bros. overworld track. Nailed it, didn’t you?

Chiptune and synth-driven soundtracks didn’t just accompany the action—they became part of our cultural DNA. Some of these tunes, composed under wild technical constraints, turned out to be masterclasses in minimalism. And guess what? Synthwave is booming again. Artists across the world are reviving that pulsing, analog sound, and it’s spreading from playlists into soundtracks, adverts, and even fashion runways.

5. The Stories Meant Something (Even When They Made Zero Sense)

Let’s be honest: retro game plots were often bananas. A plumber chasing mushrooms? An intergalactic bounty hunter raised by birds? None of it made much sense—and yet, somehow, it worked.

Why? Because these stories didn’t try to be Oscar contenders. They focused on vibe, imagination, and world-building through gameplay. They left enough gaps for our minds to fill in. And that made them personal. Today, there’s a growing craving for games and digital media that don’t try to explain everything. We’re craving mystery again. Retro content lets us engage more, not less, by doing just that.

6. It’s Not Just Nostalgia—It’s Identity

Sure, part of the appeal is nostalgia. No denying that. But there’s more going on. For many, retro gaming wasn’t just a pastime—it was an origin story. It’s where tech curiosity was born. Where social circles formed. Where a weird love of pixelated explosions somehow evolved into an engineering degree.

Wearing a Sonic the Hedgehog tee or booting up a Commodore 64 isn’t just sentiment. It’s a signal. A handshake between generations of players and creators. And in an age where digital culture moves faster than ever, having anchors like these helps keep us grounded.

7. Modern Tech, Retro Soul

Now here’s where things get spicy. The past isn’t just being remembered—it’s being remixed. Companies are fusing retro sensibilities with today’s tech to make something entirely new. We’ve got handheld consoles with OLED screens playing ROMs from 1987. There are apps designed to mimic CRT scanlines. New games built with old engines.

Even streaming platforms are curating retro collections. It’s not just for die-hard fans either—curious newcomers are hopping on board, eager to see what all the fuss is about. In a sense, retro is evolving. It’s still weird and wonderful, but now it’s accessible too. And that’s a beautiful thing.

Old Pixels, New Purpose

This isn’t just about reliving the past. It’s about preserving what worked and reimagining it for today. Retro digital entertainment isn’t stuck in amber. It’s alive. Breathing. Inspiring everything from music production to app development.

Whether it’s fashion with neon flare, digital synth revivals, or a reskinned Game Boy emulator running on a smartphone, this revival proves one thing: we don’t move forward by forgetting where we came from. We move forward by remixing the best bits and keeping the pixelated heart beating.

So, yeah. Retro’s back. But let’s be honest—it never really left.

Ekco Launches All-in-One, Enterprise-Grade Cybersecurity Offering to Protect Irish SMBs

Ekco, one of Europe’s leading security-first managed service providers (MSP), has today launched Cyber Defence Complete in Ireland – an all-in-one cybersecurity service that gives small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) enterprise-grade cybersecurity protection without complexity.

The number of attempted and successful cyberattacks is ever increasing and SMBs are attractive targets for attackers as, unlike larger organisations, they often lack the resources to recruit specialist in-house 24-7 cybersecurity teams. Cyber Defence Complete from Ekco integrates essential security coverage from leading vendors including Microsoft, CrowdStrike, and Recorded Future into a unified, streamlined solution.

Built on CREST-accredited methodologies, it equips SMBs with comprehensive defensive capabilities – from visibility and detection to active defence – without requiring significant infrastructure changes. By simplifying cybersecurity complexity and uncertainty, Cyber Defence Complete provides businesses with a proactive advantage against threats, along with seamless access to world-class technologies and expert guidance in one cohesive service.

Ekco’s Cyber Defence Complete package includes 24×7×365 Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) monitoring, incident response, threat intelligence, and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), ensuring SMBs are protected around the clock and offering peace of mind. It will be offered through flexible, tiered models designed to scale with businesses as they grow and mature.

Lee Driver, Director of Cybersecurity at Ekco, said: “Small and medium-sized businesses face diverse cybersecurity challenges, and in today’s threat landscape, fast, decisive action is critical. This is why we’ve launched Cyber Defence Complete – a comprehensive solution that removes uncertainty and complexity from cybersecurity for SMBs. Right from the outset, our package establishes a robust defensive foundation, encompassing threat detection, active monitoring, rapid incident response, and mitigation capabilities.

“Our flexible, tiered approach ensures businesses receive exactly the level of protection they need, scaling seamlessly as they expand and mature. With Cyber Defence Complete, we’re committed to levelling the cybersecurity playing field, empowering SMBs with enterprise-grade defence underpinned by expert support, so they can confidently focus on growing their businesses without the fear of cyber threats.”

Cyber Defence Complete is available in two tailored packages to meet diverse business needs:

  • Standard: Offers a comprehensive suite of defensive capabilities, enabling businesses to adopt a proactive stance against cyber threats.
  • Premium: Includes all features of the Standard package, with additional enhancements aimed at achieving robust cyber resilience.

This tiered approach ensures that SMBs can access enterprise-grade security solutions that align with their growth stage and budget, providing cost-effective access to world-class security expertise without the need for significant in-house investment.

To learn more about Ekco’s new Cyber Defence Complete, please visit here.

Chargebee moves to WeWork Dublin to facilitate rapid growth

WeWork, a leading global flexible space provider, today announced that Chargebee, the global billing and monetisation company, has moved offices to recently refurbished WeWork 5 Harcourt Road in Dublin to host its growing workforce. This move not only accommodates Chargebee’s rapid growth but demonstrates the company’s continued investment in workplace experience by providing a dynamic work environment for its growing employee base to support its next phase of innovation and success.

Chargebee, a leading billing and monetisation platform, has experienced impressive growth since its founding in Chennai, India, expanding to Amsterdam, Sydney, Bangalore, Utah, Bethesda MD, and Dublin. The company’s new office at WeWork 5 Harcourt Road is thoughtfully designed to blend first-class design, functionality, and dynamic breakout areas to inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and strengthen company culture.

Over the next three years, Chargebee plans to grow its Dublin workforce to a team of 50, and continue to scale its business at rate. The inherent flexibility of WeWork’s model is a key enabler of Chargebee’s expansion strategy, allowing the company to scale its footprint up or down as needed. It also supports Chargebee’s flex-first hybrid work model, giving employees the freedom to choose their in-office days. This ensures that Chargebee’s real estate decisions remain closely aligned with both its business growth and the evolving needs of its workforce.

Guy Marion, Chief Marketing Officer at Chargebee, says “As someone who has recently relocated to Dublin, I’ve been truly impressed by the vibrant tech ecosystem not only within the city but also in WeWork’s community. Dublin acts as a central hub to our operations, and our move to 5 Harcourt Road is a significant step in advancing our mission to innovate the revenue landscape and support businesses across Europe with their billing and monetisation strategies.

The scalability of our space enables us to expand operations without concern over outgrowing our office. Combined with the signature design and hospitality of WeWork, I am incredibly confident in our ability to attract top talent, as well as the exceptional office experience we are offering to our employees; something that remains a top-of-mind priority for us as we continue to pursue our ambitious goals.”

Luke Armstrong, Regional President, UKI, EMEA and APAC, WeWork says “As companies continue to formalise their work strategies, WeWork is seeing a growing trend in Dublin, where an increasing number of scaling companies are prioritising office experiences that engage and inspire employees, while also opting for flexible workspace solutions that support their growth ambitions. Chargebee’s move to WeWork 5 Harcourt Road is a prime example of this shift.

By choosing a well-designed, scalable space in the heart of Dublin – one of Europe’s most dynamic hubs for innovation and business growth – Chargebee is poised to expand their footprint, grow their team, and scale their business with confidence at WeWork. We’re excited to see firsthand what they’ll achieve at this location.”

Demonstrating its commitment to the Dublin market as well as its focus on delivering a top-tier experience for members, WeWork is investing in key locations across the capital, including Charlemont Exchange, 5 Harcourt Road, and 2 Dublin Landings. These investments will enhance both amenities and design, as well as reconfigure spaces from larger office layouts to more flexible, adaptable designs. This shift aims to meet the evolving needs of SMBs driving regional growth and ensuring that WeWork continues to offer dynamic solutions that align with the changing demands of the market.

imoo Z7 Smart Watch Phone Review

The imoo Z7 Smart Watch Phone is an ideal kit for your child or family member to keep track of even during school hours it is on the large side however it is robust and tough and you can get additional screen protection and watch protector for it making super tough for kids.

The watch is simple enough to set up which requires a sim card with a plan so keep this in mind before you purchase but this is how most work these days anyway.

The UI on the watch is also simple to navigate and we go through all that and the app seen below in the video review down below so be sure to check this out after reading as you will find it helpful

The watch also keeps track of your child’s health and fitness plus many other features built in and a constant track of your child’s location.

You can send messages including voice and picture messages from the watch and to your parents have full control of the device you can also add more family members to talk to for messaging which is great and of course calls both video and standard.

When you call your child you get their location and the camera is live on call so your child can show their surroundings if required this also works if your child calls you on their watch. You can choose between Google Maps or Apple Maps which is nice.

The watch also has multisport fitness options and is IP68 water proof which means it can be taken anywhere.

Call and video quality is quite good once you have a decent signal and the battery will last between 2-5 days depending on use the location history also lasts 14 days in a cycle.

Overall this is a must have for parents who want to keep and in contact with their child at home  and again even better on a holiday and nit too expensive either and it also looks nice and comes in several colours again you also need a sim with a plan for it to work.

 

The APP

 

Features

  • 2-way HD video and voice call – Stay connected to your kids at all times: the imoo kids smartwatch, with its flip-up dual cameras, lets you see not only your kids’ real-time status, but also the environment they are in during video calls. Wherever they are, they’re just a call away! Perfect for kids going back to school.
  • Real-time Locating & 14-Day History: With one tap, the imoo kids smartwatch gives you your kid’s exact real-time location using GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS and Galileo satellite systems. With 14-day history, parents can see where their child has been in the last 14 days.
  • Multi-sport & Workout Data: imoo kids smartwatch with 4 built-in sports modes: swimming, running, jumping rope and insights into professional workout data such as calories burned, cadence, stride etc. and rewards to encourage kids to stay active.
  • IPX8 Swimming Water-resistant: imoo kids smartwatch allows kids to swim up to 20 metres underwater. Turn on the video function before entering the pool, and this kids’ smartwatch can record clear videos in the water.
  • Nano SIM Card Required: This kids smartwatch only accepts a standard nano-SIM card. Compatible operators include Vodafone, O2, Three and Giffgaff – please check for compatibility in your area. The watch’s default language is English, but it can be set to German, Spanish and Polish.

BUY

Other imoo reviews 

Video Review

Dell Technologies Unveils Infrastructure Innovations Built to Power Modern AI-Ready Data Centres

Dell Technologies has today introduced advancements across its industry-leading server, storage and data protection portfolios designed to help Irish organisations achieve data center modernisation.

Why It Matters:

Organisations are rethinking their IT strategies to respond to the rise of AI, the need to support both traditional and modern workloads and increased cyber threats. IT teams are moving toward disaggregated infrastructure that abstracts compute, storage, and networking into shared resource pools to deliver improved scalability, efficiency, and adaptability.

 Dell Technologies server, storage and data protection innovations are designed to help customers rethink their IT infrastructure approach to better meet the needs of traditional and modern workloads.

Dell PowerEdge servers deliver advanced performance, energy efficiency and scalability

Dell PowerEdge R470, R570, R670 and R770 servers with Intel Xeon 6 Processors with P-cores are single and double-socket servers in 1U and 2U form factors that easily handle demanding traditional and emerging workloads like HPC, virtualisation, analytics, and AI inferencing:

  • Improves Workload Consolidation: Consolidate legacy platforms, freeing up power and up to 80% of space per 42U rack with the Dell PowerEdge R770. These systems save up to half of the energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions and support up to 50% more cores per processors and 67% increased performance. This reduces data centre footprints to help achieve sustainability goals and lower overall total cost of ownership without sacrificing performance.
  • Delivers Extreme Power with Efficiency: The powerful and efficient Dell PowerEdge R570 achieves record-breaking Intel performance per watt, helping enterprises save on energy costs while maintaining high performance workloads.
  • Future-Ready Designs: Simplify and future-proof operations with the Data Centre – Modular Hardware System (DC-MHS) architecture, as part of the Open Compute Project (OCP). DC-MHS standardises server design, supporting easier integration into existing infrastructure, improving customer choice.
  • Streamlined management: PowerEdge servers deliver streamlined management and robust protection through Dell OpenManage enhancements and Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (IDRAC 10) updates, including real-time monitoring. When paired with PERC13 PCIe Gen 5 HW Raid controller, customers can see up to a 33X reduction in write latency.

Dell PowerStore boosts performance and security while simplifying data management

Dell PowerStore’s intelligent software design delivers an automated, highly programmable platform with advanced data reduction and independently scalable storage services suited to the needs of modern disaggregated architectures. PowerStore’s latest software release delivers:

  • AI-Powered Analytics: Reduce cost and eliminate manual effort with Smart Support alerts and remediation, performance headroom analytics and carbon footprint forecasting using Dell AIOps (formerly CloudIQ) software.
  • Enhanced Zero-Trust Security: Control access and boost availability with DoD smart card authentication support, automated certificate renewal and enhanced Storage Direct Protection integrations that deliver up to 4X faster backup restores5 plus support for the latest Dell PowerProtect systems.
  • Advanced File System Support: Enhance system performance with advanced file management capabilities, robust data protection with secure file snapshots, capacity insights for smarter storage planning and streamlined migration from Dell Unity systems.


The next generation of Dell ObjectScale drives improved performance and scale

Dell introduces the next generation of Dell ObjectScale, the industry’s highest-performing object platform. Dell ObjectScale delivers massive scalability, performance and efficiency for AI workloads. Dell is modernising the enterprise-grade architecture of ObjectScale and introducing new all-flash and HDD appliance options to provide:

  • Fast Object for AI: Innovate faster with the industry-leading AI workload performance of ObjectScale XF960, delivering up to 2X greater throughput per node than the closest competitor and up to 8X greater density than previous-generation all-flash systems.
  • Accelerate Modern Workloads: HDD-based Dell ObjectScale X560 accelerates key workloads like media ingest, backups and AI model training with 83% faster read throughput.
  • Extreme Efficiency and Resiliency: Easily operate and secure AI data lakes with multi-site federation, copy-to-cloud, geo-replication, global namespace and data governance capabilities, backed by a new hybrid cloud solution powered by ObjectScale, developed in collaboration with Wasabi.

 

Dell PowerScale innovations unlock the power of AI data

Dell PowerScale’s scale-out architecture makes it ideal to use as the backbone for modern AI-driven operations. Advancements improve performance-per-terabyte, enhance data center floorspace utilisation and balance affordability with performance to optimise TCO.

  • High Density All-Flash Storage: 122TB SSDs maximise GPU utilisation with up to 6 PBs of high-speed data access in a single 2U node configuration and deliver leading performance density to meet massive AI throughput requirements.
  • Hybrid and Archive Nodes: PowerScale A & H series nodes (H710, H7100, A310, A3100) deliver reduced latency and improved performance with a refreshed compute module for HDD-based platforms. Customers can future proof their data centers and retain AI training data longer with a flexible, TCO-optimised portfolio mix to improve accuracy and efficiency.

 

Dell PowerProtect improves cyber resilience with greater performance and efficiency

Dell, the industry leader in purpose-built backup appliances, introduces data protection updates designed to help customers strengthen their cyber resilience while controlling costs with enhanced performance, security, and efficiency:

  • Scalable and Efficient Data Protection for All: Dell PowerProtect DD6410, with a capacity of 12 TB to 256 TB, is ideal for commercial, small business and remote site environments. It delivers up to 91% faster restores and scalability for traditional and modern workloads plus efficient operations with industry-leading up to 65X deduplication.
  • All-Flash Performance and Efficiency: Dell PowerProtect All-Flash Ready Node, the first step in Dell’s all-flash data protection journey, delivers more secure and efficient data protection with a 220 TB capacity system that offers over 61% faster restore speeds, uses up to 36% less power, and features a 5X smaller footprint.
  • Strengthened Enterprise Resiliency: PowerProtect Data Manager updates help customers quickly identify security risks with Anomaly Detection, manage Microsoft Hyper-V and Red Hat OpenShift Virtualisation virtual machine backups and easily archive data to Dell ObjectScale for long-term retention.

 

“Modern applications require a new breed of infrastructure that will help customers keep pace with everchanging data center demands,” said Arthur Lewis, president, Infrastructure Solutions Group, Dell Technologies. “From storage to servers to networking to data protection, only Dell Technologies provides an end-to-end disaggregated infrastructure portfolio that helps customers reduce complexity, increase IT agility and accelerate data center modernisation.”

“Organisations are refocusing their IT strategies to take a disaggregated approach to infrastructure that improves resource management and simplifies management complexity,” said Simon Robinson, principal analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group, now part of Omdia. “Dell Technologies is delivering updates across its infrastructure portfolio designed to help customers easily overcome these challenges so that they’re ready to manage any workload.”

Availability

  • Dell PowerEdge R470, R570, R670 and R770 servers featuring Intel Xeon 6 Processors with P-cores and E-cores are available now.
  • Dell PowerStore software updates are available now.
  • Dell ObjectScale is available now as a software update for current Dell ECS environments.
  • HDD-based ObjectScale X560 will be available in April 2025.
  • All-Flash ObjectScale appliances will be available beginning in Q3 CY2025.
  • Dell PowerScale HDD-based nodes will be available in June 2025.
  • Dell PowerScale with 122TB drives will be available in May 2025.
  • Dell PowerProtect DD6410 and All-Flash Ready Node will be available in April 2025.
  • Dell PowerProtect Data Manager updates are available now.

 

Chipolo launches new item tracker the Chipolo POP – Review

Introducing a new product line to its family of tracking tags, Chipolo — the award-winning Bluetooth item tracker company — brings a splash of playfulness into the market with the brand new: Chipolo POP. We have been testing this out over the last few days in a nice bright Green variant and it works well with lots of new features on board and do check the video below for a full tour of how to set it up and how it works.

Vibrant, colourful and now universal, the Chipolo POP works with Apple’s Find My network or Google’s Find My Device to help busy bees find their lost keys and misplaced bags no matter the device. As a cherry on top, Chipolo POP has extra features available – like being able to call one’s phone – in the free Chipolo companion app.

Chipolo, known for its trademark of bright colours, brings its signature hues back into the Chipolo family with Chipolo POP all while extending the product’s Bluetooth range, improving its water and dust resistance, and incorporating more recycled materials into its design.

“The Chipolo POP is the embodiment of our customers’ favourite Chipolo attributes. Countless users expressed their desire for vibrant colours while others missed having access to certain features within the Chipolo app. POP therefore merges the best of our past – bringing colours, compatibility and our most popular features into a product everyone can love.” said Domen Barovic, Co-founder and CDO at Chipolo.

Available worldwide on their webpage and via Amazon, the Chipolo POP is set at £30/$29/€35 with the below features:

  • A fresh look with colourful design options: Curated with its notorious keyhole for valuables, the new product brings a pop of colour into one’s life with the hues: blue, black, green, red, white and yellow.

  • Worldwide range and compatibility: The Chipolo POP works with either Apple’s Find My network or Google’s Find My Device  – which means you can find your missing item almost anywhere in the world. To use your Chipolo POP on an Android™ device, your device must be running Android 9 or later with Google Play Services installed. To use it on an Apple device, the latest version of iOS, iPadOS or macOS is recommended.

  • User safety built-in: Chipolo POP benefits from Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find My Device built-in safety and protection features, including unknown tracker alerts – notifications that let you know if an unfamiliar tracker is moving with you that work across both Android and iOS devices.

  • Loud sound: Easily locate your items with a loud ring that is 120db high.

  • Extra features available via the free companion Chipolo app:

    • Call Your Phone: Be able to ring your phone with your Chipolo POP – even if it’s on silent!

    • Out-of-range alerts (Android only): Get a friendly notification when you leave something behind.

    • Ringtone: Change your Chipolo POP’s ringtone with a different selection of tunes.

    • Selfie Remote: Use the Chipolo as a wireless shutter to take the perfect photo.

  • Eco-friendly product materials: All products are EU-made from approximately 50% recycled materials.

  • Paper packaging: A new look for packaging, designed with sustainability in mind the new packaging comes slimmer with a matte finish – and made from paper only

  • Bluetooth range: Now up to 300ft / 90m

  • Long, replaceable battery life: Lasts up to 1 year with the easy and sustainable option to replace the battery.

Chipolo POP App

“The tracking tag market has continued to grow over the years. In fact, the market has experienced a year-on-year growth of 7.76% in the last 4 years. It highlights the people’s demand for more convenience and peace of mind. The POP further answers this desire from the market – delivering a product that gives consumers what they want while reflecting Chipolo’s core values and mission to help people live their lives to the fullest.” said Primož Zelenšek, Co-founder and CEO at Chipolo.

The Chipolo POP will be available for purchase starting on April 14th on the official Chipolo website and on Amazon, and from May, it will be available in T-Mobile stores.

Amazon UK & US links:

BUY

See our Chipolo reviews

Video Review

Rethink Ireland and Vodafone Foundation Launch €540,000 Fund to Help Bridge the Digital Divide for Older Adults in Ireland

Nearly half (46%) of persons aged over 75 years had never used the internet according to CSO (2021). To help bridge this digital divide, Rethink Ireland and the Vodafone Foundation have launched the €540,000 “Hi Digital Fund”.

This two-year fund will support five innovative organisations that are providing services for older adults aged 65 and above to develop essential digital skills. Applications for the fund are open from today (14 April) and close on 26 May 2025. Applications can be made here Hi Digital Fund – Rethink Ireland

The fund will provide cash grants and business supports for social innovations that enhance digital literacy and inclusion for older adults in their community, bridging Ireland’s digital skills gap. It promotes innovative approaches to ensure no one is left behind, teaching essential skills like smartphone use, e-health and smart home tech.

The Hi Digital Fund has been created by Rethink Ireland – the funding body thinking differently to create a more just, equal and sustainable Ireland – and is supported by the Vodafone Foundation, private donors and Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund.

“Digital exclusion is a silent crisis affecting thousands of older adults across Ireland.” said Deirdre Mortell, CEO of Rethink Ireland. “Through the Hi Digital Fund, we’re not just teaching tech skills—we’re reconnecting people to essential services, reducing isolation, and enabling independent aging. This fund represents a critical investment in ensuring no older person is left behind in our increasingly digital society.”

Head of Vodafone Foundation, Liz Roche stated: “At Vodafone Foundation, we believe that everyone, regardless of age or ability, should have access to the digital world. By funding Rethink Ireland,  we will grow to support five new organisations across Ireland so that they have the resources to help older adults improve digital literacy skills and online confidence. We’re dedicated to reaching even more isolated people and making technology accessible for all”.

Also supporting the launch, Roisin Mills, Programme and Training Commissioner from the Irish Girl Guides said: “At Irish Girl Guides, we believe in creating an equal and inclusive world for all. We are proud to partner with the Vodafone Foundation to deliver the Hi Digital programme, an initiative designed to empower older people with essential, real-world digital skills. Through this experience, not only our youth members are helping others to grow in confidence and ability, but they are also developing invaluable personal skills themselves, including communication, empathy, patience, and leadership”

This fund will support diverse community initiatives and sustainable digital literacy programmes that remove barriers for older people who are unfamiliar with the digital world. The Vodafone Foundation will donate €250,000 over two years, with an additional €20,000 from private donors, totalling €270,000. The Department of Rural and Community Development will match this amount via the Dormant Accounts Fund, resulting in a total fund of €540,000.

AI Expert Warns: 5 Things You Should Never Let Artificial Intelligence Do

Artificial intelligence has quickly become a huge part of our daily lives, making things easier across all kinds of industries. From helping us draft emails to suggesting the next thing we should buy, AI is showing up everywhere and transforming how we get things done. Joe Davies is a tech AI expert at fatjoe tells us more.
“AI can process data faster than we ever could, but when it comes to understanding the complexities of human emotion or making ethical decisions, there’s no replacement for the human brain. Technology enhances us, but it shouldn’t replace us.”
So, while AI is a great tool, it’s not a replacement for the human touch. Here are 5 tasks you should never let AI do:
1. Writing Your Resume or CV
Many turn to AI to help draft resumes or generate professional content. While these tools can suggest catchy phrases and templates, they miss the essential personal touch.
Why You Shouldn’t:
A resume isn’t just a list of jobs; it’s a reflection of your career journey, your growth, and what makes you stand out. AI struggles to incorporate the subtleties that differentiate you, such as a memorable story or a lesson learned on the job. A resume written by AI lacks the authenticity and personalization that makes you a unique candidate.
“AI can help structure your resume, but a true reflection of your journey, accomplishments, and personality can only be done through human personalization.”
2. Making Big Life Decisions (like moving or ending a relationship)
AI can give pros and cons or analyze options, but it can’t factor in your emotional state, intuition, or the things left unsaid.
Why You Shouldn’t: 
Life-changing choices aren’t just logical—they’re deeply emotional and nuanced. Only you can weigh what feels right based on your values, past experiences, and gut instinct.
“Some decisions require heart, not just data. That’s something AI will never truly understand.”
3. Making Critical Financial Decisions
AI tools can provide useful data analysis, but they can’t factor in the personal considerations that shape your financial situation.
Why You Shouldn’t: 
Whether it’s investing or saving, financial decisions are deeply personal. Your risk tolerance, long-term goals, and life circumstances should all influence the choices you make. While AI can process numbers efficiently, it lacks the ability to weigh these personal factors.
“AI may suggest investment strategies, but it can’t account for the personal side of financial decision-making. Only humans can truly align financial decisions with life goals.”
4. Medical Diagnoses
Although AI is increasingly used in healthcare to assist with diagnostics, it should never replace the judgment of a qualified medical professional.
Why You Shouldn’t:
Medical diagnoses require not only technical knowledge but also an understanding of patient history, symptoms, and personal circumstances. AI can provide support by analyzing medical data, but it cannot offer the holistic perspective a doctor or healthcare provider brings.
“AI can assist in diagnosing, but it should always be used as a complement, not a replacement, for medical professionals. Only a human can take into account the full picture of a patient’s health.”
5. Making Ethical and Moral Decisions
AI can help analyze data, but it falls short when it comes to making ethical choices.
Why You Shouldn’t:
Ethical and moral decisions often involve understanding societal impacts and complex human emotions. AI operates on logic, not on the ability to empathise or consider the broader human experience. While AI can offer data-driven insights, the final decision often requires human judgment and values.
“AI is a tool to assist in decision-making, but it shouldn’t be the sole decision-maker when it comes to ethics. Human judgment, empathy, and moral reasoning will always be necessary in these areas.”
AI is undeniably powerful and is reshaping industries at a rapid pace. However, the human element remains irreplaceable in many areas. By understanding where AI excels and where it falters, we can leverage its strengths while still preserving the critical role of human creativity, empathy, and decision-making.
“AI is a remarkable tool for efficiency, but it is crucial that we strike a balance and recognise where AI should assist, not replace, the human element.”