Twelve South launches AirFly Pro 2: The ultimate in-flight upgrade for your audio

Twelve South, an innovative Apple accessories designer, today reveals the AirFly Pro 2 – an upgraded version of its best-selling AirFly Bluetooth audio adapter with improved features including better sound, intuitive controls, easier pairing, longer battery life and more.

Twelve South’s AirFly range is renowned worldwide for enabling the seamless pairing of wireless headphones with legacy audio jacks, commonly found on in-flight entertainment, gym equipment and older physical media players. The AirFly Pro 2 allows users to enjoy the superior sound of wireless headphones and speakers with devices that lack Bluetooth functionality.

Since its launch in 2018, Twelve South’s AirFly we reviewed has become a jet setter’s cabin baggage essential, allowing users to enjoy in-flight entertainment with the immersive sound of their own wireless earbuds or headphones, rather than low quality, wired airline headsets. We also checked out the lite version.

The new AirFly Pro 2 elevates this experience by keeping some of AirFly’s best bits and combining with new innovative features:

  • Effortless Bluetooth pairing thanks to dedicated pairing buttons and intuitive physical controls. Pair 1 and Pair 2 buttons make connecting one or two headphones effortless (new)
  • Connect one or two sets of headphones for shared listening – no splitters, no wires
  • With aptX™ support, it delivers high-quality audio with incredible clarity and depth (new)
  • Quick access volume and mute control buttons allow sound to be adjusted instantly (new)
  • Over 25 hours battery life on a single charge plus a clear battery indicator light (new)
  • Can be used as an AUX-IN adaptor for connecting phones to vehicles without sharing data (ideal for rental/courtesy cars)
  • Stylish travel bag and USB-C cable included for charging (new – previously the travel pouch was only AirFly Pro Deluxe models)

In addition to being a travel companion, AirFly Pro 2 is a staple for gym goers allowing fitness fanatics to connect their own headphones to treadmills, exercise bikes and other equipment for more immersive soundtracks and guided workouts.

Those with older media players including turntables, portable cassette players and TVs can also use AirFly Pro 2 to connect wireless headphones, speakers and soundbars, breathing a new lease of life into retro devices.

The second-generation model retains the classic AirFly design users know and love. Initially launching in white, the Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 will be available in additional colours, including blue and black, later this year.

AirFly Pro 2 is available now for £59.99 from www.twelvesouth.co.uk. It will also be available from Amazon UK early April and from Apple in June.

Hillwalk Tours Partner With HiiKER

Hillwalk Tours, a leading provider of self-guided walking holidays across Ireland, the UK, Spain, and Portugal, are thrilled to announce an innovative new partnership with Hiiker, a fellow Irish-based company, and experts in hiking and navigation technology. This collaboration brings the best of both worlds together: world-class hiking tours and state-of-the-art navigation support.

The partnership will allow Hillwalk Tours’ customers to seamlessly navigate their self-guided walking tour using Hiiker’s advanced GPS navigation app. Built with the customer experience in mind, Hillwalk Tours has meticulously curated and integrated their own GPS tracks for each hiking trail onto the Hiiker platform, which customers can access directly via the Hiiker app.

This strategic collaboration enhances the hiking experience by providing Hillwalk Tours’ customers with comprehensive offline GPS navigation, as well as a host of powerful features such as the ability to change to different, more detailed mapping layers and receive real-time “off-trail” alerts. The offline capability ensures that even in remote areas with limited connectivity, hikers will have access to reliable trail guidance.

“Our mission at Hillwalk Tours has always been to create experiences that make people happy” said Anthony Barrett, Managing Director of Hillwalk Tours. “By partnering with Hiiker, an Irish company that shares our passion for the great outdoors, along with providing exceptional navigational technology, we’re elevating our offering to customers. This partnership represents a major leap forward in ensuring our customers can safely and confidently explore the trails, while also enhancing the experience of our walking holidays.”

Hiiker, renowned for its expertise in creating intuitive navigation solutions for outdoor enthusiasts, is equally enthusiastic about the partnership. “We are excited to join forces with Hillwalk Tours, who have been creating first-rate self-guided hiking trips for over 15 years now,” said Paul Finlay, Founder of Hiiker. “Our technology will provide Hillwalk Tours’ customers with peace of mind, even in the most remote and beautiful landscapes, thanks to our app’s ability to provide detailed maps, offline navigation and trail safety alerts.”

Both companies, deeply rooted in Ireland, are passionate about promoting outdoor exploration in a safe, accessible, and enjoyable way. The collaboration is a testament to the shared values of innovation and quality, and it highlights the strength of Irish entrepreneurship in the global hiking and tourism industry.

Key Features of the Partnership:

  • GPS Navigation Made Easy: Customers of Hillwalk Tours will have access to Hillwalk’s own meticulously crafted and custom-built tracks on the Hiiker app, ensuring they can easily follow their hiking route.
  • Offline Capability: Hiiker’s offline navigation feature will keep hikers on track even in areas with no phone or cell coverage.
  • Detailed Mapping Layers: Customers will have access to switch between a wide array of comprehensive maps for navigation. This includes OSI, EastWest Mapping, and historical maps in Ireland; OS Mapping, Harvey Maps, and historical maps in the UK; as well as IGN and other national and independent maps across continental Europe.
  • Off-Trail Alerts: Automatic alerts notify walkers if they wander off the designated path, adding an extra layer of safety to their adventure.

This partnership marks a significant enhancement for hiking enthusiasts who value the freedom of self-guided tours without compromising on safety or convenience.

For more information on Hillwalk Tours, visit www.hillwalktours.com. To learn more about Hiiker, visit www.hiiker.app.

Best free PC games of all time

PC gaming hasn’t been waning in popularity for many years now. Even many once-exclusive Xbox and PlayStation games have found their way to PC owners, where they are now available for free. From Fortnite to Sims, take a look at the best free PC games of all time.

League of Legends

Inspired by Dota, League of Legends (LoL) is one of the best free PC games for tactical geniuses. Developed by Riot Games, this 2009 multiplayer online game features a battle arena. As one of the most-played video games in the world, League of Legends is played by 100 million people every month. The goal of the game is to outplay your opponents alongside your team – break the enemy’s team before they break yours. 

Sweepstake casinos

Completely different from LoL, sweepstake casinos are a perfect option for players who love casino games. According to Mike Epifani of Yay Sweepstakes, these casinos let you play for real cash prizes while taking advantage of numerous promotions. Sweepstake casinos are free to play, as all players have to do is create an account, choose the slot or table game they want to play, and hope to embark on a lucky streak. 

The Sims 4

As far as iconic PC games go, The Sims 4 is hard to beat. It has been the quintessential game since the turn of the millennium, counting 85 million players worldwide as of March 2024. There’s something incredibly appealing about the chance to design your own Sim, build his/her dream house from scratch, and establish their professional and family life. Love, life, death – it’s all a part of this iconic game that became free for PC players after EA announced its plans for The Sims 5.

Fortnite

If you are an avid gamer, you are probably already thoroughly familiar with Fortnite – a game that’s played by more than 250 million people worldwide. This epic battle royale game is popular among Twitch streamers, various sports stars, and even celebrities. Whether you are playing it religiously every single night after work or logging in once a week, Fortnite always has a new challenge ready for you to tackle – a perk that has turned this game into a staple in every gamer’s personal collection of titles. 

Counter-Strike 2

Unlike the original version of the game, Counter-Strike 2 is thoroughly dedicated to realism, which is in stark contrast with many other military games. Players might not get to enjoy impressive power-ups and different perks that can alter the outcome of the game, but they do get to rely on their luck and skills while on the mission. Whether staying in or going on a vacation and bringing your PC as a gadget that’s a travel essential, Counter-Strike 2 will keep you locked in for hours at a time. 

D&D Online

There aren’t many multiplayer fantasy games that are as famous as Dungeons & Dragons, which are now available in an online format. You can now set foot in the Forgotten Realms and the land of Eberron from the comfort of your own home – and for free. Whether you want to assume the role of a thief or a spellcaster, D&D Online allows you to let your imagination go wild and fight dragons and demons until you come out on top. 

PUBG: Battlegrounds

With a strong community of players who keep coming back, PUBG: Battlegrounds is a game that has at one point surpassed even the legendary Dota in terms of popularity. Its peak might have happened in 2017, but the game reached new heights in 2022 when it was moved to the free-to-play model. The PUBG’s battlefield might be brimming with players, but only one can be pronounced the winner – with a bit of luck and strategy, you could be the chosen one. 

World of Warships

Finishing things off with an ocean-based military simulation game, World of Warships is a simple yet captivating game. It’s deep, approachable, and engaging – everything you could ever want from a game of its genre. Control your warship and choose from over 600 intricately modeled historical ships, all leading to the ultimate action-strategy naval experience. 

 

PRCA Spotlight Awards for Excellence in Communications 2025

The Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA) launches the PRCA Spotlight Awards for Excellence in Communications 2025, a fresh new rebrand of the PRCA Awards, which have been running for over 30 years. Setting the benchmark for excellence in Ireland’s PR and communications industry, the PRCA Spotlight Awards will celebrate the outstanding value and impact PR agencies and professionals have on clients, society and the Irish economy through strategic insight, creativity, and measurable results. Entries close on Tuesday 15th of April and cost €200 per entry.

The PRCA Spotlight Awards also announces new and improved categories that will demonstrate the tangible value PR agencies create for their clients, from shaping reputations and influencing behaviour to driving business growth and societal change. There are 24 categories in the PRCA Spotlight Awards 2025 including new awards for Best Contribution to a Client’s Goals through a Social-First Campaign, Best Technology Campaign and Best Lifestyle Campaign, Best Agency Innovation along with awards to celebrate the industry’s Rising Star and those who demonstrate an Outstanding Contribution to the Industry.

There is a new judging panel for the PRCA Spotlight Awards, chaired by Crispin Manners, CEO and founder of Onva Consulting, a Fellow and past Chairman of the PRCA in the UK. Crispin will be joined by a panel of experts including Chloe Brennan, Matchstick Talent Agency,  Andy Green, Story Starts Here, Geraldine Herbert, journalist and broadcaster, Thomas Kelly from DCU, Eoin Kennedy, Consultant, Geoff Lyons, PML Group, Padraig McKeon, consultant advisor, Allison Morris, Belfast Telegraph, Andras Sztaniszlav, CEO of ICCO, Florence White from Úisce Eireann, Nikki Gallagher, Head of Public Affairs, IBEC  Gillian Nelis, the Business Post.

Commenting on the PRCA Spotlight Awards, newly appointed chair of the PRCA board, Brian Harrison of MKC, said: “As the advocate for the industry’s impact and a catalyst for agency success, PRCA has designed these awards to reinforce the essential role of PR in business and society. Under the leadership of Crispin Manners, PRCA 2025 award chair, and judged by a panel of experts across 24 categories, the awards include new areas such as innovation and the best use of new technologies like AI. This year’s awards will showcase how agencies are shaping the future of communications. “When I was invited to chair the judging panel, I grabbed the opportunity with open arms because my previous experience of Irish PRCA members is that they deliver amazing contributions to client success every day. I’m looking forward to being able to reward those contributions with the recognition they deserve.” explained Crispin Manners.

The PRCA Spotlight Awards are open to PR agencies, sole traders and in-house PR teams, who have worked with a PR agency or sole trader to deliver impactful campaigns. Entries opened on Friday, 7th March and cost €200 per entry. The deadline for entries is 12pm on Tuesday, 15th April and the shortlist will be announced on Tuesday, 20th May. The awards ceremony will take place in The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, on Friday, 20th June.

For further information, please visit www.prca.ie and https://prca.ie/about-the-awards-for-excellence/

TOZO Open EarRing Wireless Open Ear Headphones Review

The TOZO Open EarRing Wireless Open Ear Headphones are their latest on offer with a nice new design that is now starting to catch on with earbud manufacturers.

On first look most people ask what are these and I tell them these are the new style of earbuds you can expect to see in the shops going forward and do not knock them as i did before until you try them they will surprise you folks.

The fit is really good despite how they look and settle well in the ears and are super clean with their looks and not to obtrusive even with the design.

Once in the ears they remain there and are solid to be fair and they do get people’s attention which is a good thing. You need not worry about them falling out on light exercise.

They come in a cool case with a display letting you know what battery life is left and that is handy even though the app can tell you this but still I love cases with displays on them.

Battery life is decent and this will vary due to the settings used and volume etc and everyone is different here with their use case. the app again is great and TOZO deliver once again.

The sound it better than I expected too given these do not go right into your ears unlike traditional earbuds but the sound was excellent and with the app you can customize it even more which is great, the highs lows and mids all good nice bass nice volumes and overall the sound for me is good with no tinny sound or lag latency noted and calls great too on both ends.

Overall if you are in the market for new earbuds with a new style check these out and if you are a TOZO fan well you know how they rock and fans will be happy.

 

Key features include:

  • 40H Playtime: Keep the music going all day long with up to 40 hours of continuous playback.
  • IPX5 Waterproof: Whether you’re sweating it out at the gym or caught in the rain, these headphones are built to withstand it all.
  • Bluetooth 5.4: Enjoy stable, fast, and efficient connections with the latest Bluetooth technology.
  • Smart Digital Display: Stay informed with the sleek display that shows battery status and connection details at a glance.
  • Custom EQ via App: Tailor the sound to your preferences with a customizable equalizer, giving you a personalized listening experience like never before.

BUY 

Other TOZO reviews

Video Review

SumUp launches SumUp Pay, offering 0,5% cashback for Irish customers

Global fintech leader, SumUp, has today announced it is expanding its offering with the launch of SumUp Pay for consumers in the Irish market. Through diversifying its offering, SumUp looks to support both the consumer and merchant, reinforcing its commitment to the Irish entrepreneurial landscape and wider economy. This new solution permits online and in-store payments with a virtual Mastercard and the ability to earn 0,5% cashback on every purchase, earning up to €10 per calendar month.

With SumUp Pay, the company now enables consumers to create a free account, accessible via the mobile app, enabling full financial autonomy. Users can instantly access a free virtual Mastercard and top up their account via card or bank transfer. SumUp Pay allows for secure, fee-free payments worldwide, with transactions deducted directly from the balance and verified through biometric authentication like Touch or Face ID.

SumUp Pay offers a straightforward cashback system, giving users 0,5% back on every purchase, with no minimum spend or restrictions. Unlike other services, there are no conditions to meet; users can earn up to €10 per month simply by making everyday purchases at any retailer, both online and at brick and mortar shops.

Other features of SumUp Pay include the ability to easily split bills or send money to friends directly within the app. The peer-to-peer payment feature also supports free instant SEPA transfers, ensuring that funds arrive within minutes. Additionally, SumUp Pay can act as a personal financial coach, helping its users track expenses. The “Space” feature allows users to organise their money by creating multiple spending categories for saving, planning, or limiting expenses. This streamlined management is complemented by detailed reports, enabling users to monitor their spending, set monthly goals, and gain real-time insights into where and how they are spending their money.

“With SumUp Pay, we are providing a simple and accessible solution for managing daily finances. Our goal is to help users regain control of their money while offering tangible benefits such as instant, no-strings-attached cashback. A satisfied consumer becomes a loyal customer, and a loyal customer brings success to merchants,” added Erik Schünemann, Product Lead at SumUp on today’s announcement.

Niall Mac an tSionnaigh, CEO of SumUp Ireland commented: “With the rising cost of living in Ireland, at SumUp we are focused on making life a little easier for both consumers and merchants. We’re committed to providing simple, valuable payment solutions for businesses, while also looking out for the people who shop with them. Our goal is to create a marketplace where everyone is supported, cared for, and able to thrive, helping to build a more self-sufficient, connected community for all.”

Following successful launches of SumUp Pay in other key markets, and building on the momentum of innovations like Cash Advance in the Irish market, SumUp continues to work towards an inclusive ecosystem that bolsters the economy and empowers consumers and merchants alike.

Hidden data risks: how ChatGPT at work could expose your business.

Legal Island, one of Ireland’s top compliance specialists, has issued a stark warning to employers: your staff could be feeding confidential business data straight into the public domain; and you, or in fact they,  probably don’t even know it.

Before using ChatGPT, users can disable its training mode, a setting that, when left on, allows OpenAI to store and use input data to refine future responses. It became apparent to Legal Island that many employers are allowing the use of ChatGPT without any proper training, and without making their employees aware of the importance of turning off the training function before using the tool.

A new survey of 100+ organisations, conducted by Legal Island, found that just 4% of users knew how to disable ChatGPT’s training function, the simple privacy toggle that prevents OpenAI from reusing sensitive data.

Barry Phillips, Chairman of Legal Island and author of a new book, ‘ChatGPT in HR’, put it bluntly: “When the training feature is left switched on, OpenAI can capture the information entered into ChatGPT and recycle it to improve future outputs. If your staff are using ChatGPT with the training function left on, you’re potentially leaking commercially sensitive data into a giant AI engine. That data could pop up in someone else’s prompt next week. It’s a legal, reputational, and regulatory mess waiting to happen.”

Phillips continued: “While it’s encouraging that employees are embracing ChatGPT and teaching themselves how to use it, the lack of formal training is alarming. Our research shows a worrying knowledge gap as most employees in Ireland don’t even know the tool has a training function, let alone how to disable it.”

To address this compliance crisis, Legal Island has developed a free 10-minute e-learning module for employees, showing them exactly how to use ChatGPT safely, including how to switch off the training function before entering any data.

Kellie Shields, Chief Compliance Officer at Legal Island, added: “People treat GenAI like a harmless toy, it’s anything but. Without proper training, it’s a data breach in the making. This issue is too important to ignore, so we’re encouraging employers to take action today and avail of the free compliance training.”

Legal Island has been guiding HR professionals through the complexities of workplace compliance since 1998. With offices in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the award-winning organisation has become a trusted voice on the safe adoption of emerging tech in the workplace.

To access the free ChatGPT training, visit www.legal-island.ie or email debbie@legal-island.com.

AI-Generated Visuals in Esports and Gaming Culture

Artificial intelligence is transforming the world of esports and gaming culture, enabling the creation of high-quality visuals, immersive experiences, and innovative design elements. From character development to game environments, AI-driven tools are streamlining creative processes and opening new possibilities for players, designers, and content creators. Among these advancements, CGDream provides AI-powered solutions that enhance the aesthetics and dynamics of gaming visuals, making game development more accessible and efficient.

Enhancing Game Art with AI

AI-powered tools have revolutionized the way game assets are created, reducing the time and effort required to design intricate characters, environments, and animations. The use of an AI 3D model generator image to 3D, like https://cgdream.ai/features/ai-3d-model-generator-image-to-3d allows developers to transform concept art into fully realized 3D models, accelerating the game development process. These AI-generated models provide designers with a starting point that can be refined further, maintaining artistic vision while optimizing workflow efficiency.

Artists and game studios can leverage AI-driven tools to create detailed textures, lighting effects, and visual enhancements that would otherwise require extensive manual effort. By utilizing AI-generated art, game developers can maintain a high level of detail while streamlining production cycles, allowing for more innovative and expansive game worlds. Additionally, AI can assist in generating realistic motion capture animations, improving the fluidity and authenticity of character movements in games.

AI-generated concept art is another game-changer in development. Designers can input brief descriptions or sketches and let AI generate fully rendered visuals, providing inspiration and quick iterations of different artistic directions. This rapid prototyping accelerates the creative process and allows game developers to test multiple aesthetic approaches before committing to final designs.

AI’s Role in Esports Content Creation

Beyond game development, AI-generated visuals play a crucial role in esports content creation. Streaming platforms, tournament organizers, and gaming influencers utilize AI-driven graphics to enhance broadcasts, promotional materials, and branding elements. AI-powered animation and visual effects contribute to the dynamic aesthetics of esports events, making them more engaging for audiences worldwide.

By integrating AI-generated visuals into promotional campaigns, esports organizations can create unique team branding, immersive overlays, and real-time in-game analytics visuals. AI tools enable content creators to quickly generate high-quality assets, ensuring that their streams and social media content remain visually appealing and competitive in an ever-evolving industry.

Additionally, AI-driven automation helps in editing and enhancing video content. AI tools can analyze game footage, detect key moments, and generate highlight reels with advanced visual effects, reducing the workload for content creators. This allows esports teams and influencers to focus on engagement and strategy while AI handles time-intensive production tasks.

Personalization and Player Engagement

AI-driven visual technology also enhances the personalization of gaming experiences. With AI-generated assets, players can customize avatars, skins, and in-game environments in ways that were previously time-consuming or unavailable. This increased personalization fosters a deeper connection between players and their gaming experiences, making esports and gaming culture even more engaging.

The use of AI-generated character models and adaptive designs allows for the creation of dynamic, evolving game environments. As AI continues to advance, developers can implement procedural generation techniques that create unique landscapes and structures tailored to each player’s style and preferences. AI-powered NPCs (non-playable characters) can also be customized with realistic expressions and behaviors, enhancing immersive storytelling in both single-player and multiplayer games.

With AI-driven technology, in-game environments can evolve in real time, responding to player actions and behaviors. AI can modify terrain, adjust lighting conditions, and generate dynamic weather effects, creating more realistic and engaging worlds. These adaptive systems elevate immersion, making every playthrough a unique and personalized experience.

The Future of AI in Gaming Visuals

As AI technology progresses, the impact of AI-powered solutions on gaming and esports will continue to expand. AI-driven tools will refine animation quality, improve texture generation, and enhance real-time rendering capabilities, allowing for visually stunning gaming experiences. With the increasing adoption of AI in game design and esports production, AI-generated visuals will remain a fundamental element in shaping the future of interactive entertainment.

The integration of AI with gaming engines such as Unreal Engine and Unity is already pushing the boundaries of real-time rendering, allowing developers to create hyper-realistic visuals with reduced rendering times. AI-powered upscaling is improving resolution quality, enabling older assets to be repurposed for next-gen gaming experiences. AI’s ability to automate tedious artistic tasks also means that smaller indie studios can produce high-quality visuals without requiring large development teams.

With the rise of AI in gaming, developers, esports professionals, and content creators will benefit from greater accessibility to high-quality assets and streamlined production processes. Whether used for game development, esports branding, or content creation, AI-generated visuals are revolutionizing gaming culture and pushing the boundaries of digital artistry. As AI technology advances, its role in esports and gaming will only grow, offering endless creative possibilities for both professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Edifier Comfo C open-ear clip-on earbuds review

The Edifier Comfo C open-ear clip-on earbuds have been in my ears for a bit now and their latest earbud design which is catching on in the market does not disappoint.

Again this is a new style of earbuds now gaining traction in the market and we have tried several to date and these are now getting better each pair we test out.

The presentation is standard here and all you need is in the box and kept simple as always.

The fit is one concern people ask me with these new clip-on earbuds and they fit rather well as any other pair we have reviewed over the last few months and they are secure you can go jogging go to the gym and cycle with these on and with not being a full on in ear earbud you can hear your surroundings which is perfect for those on the move.

They are also comfortable to wear given their design you can wear for hours on end and like any other earbud you will forget they are there in no time.

The sound is quite good here with their 12mm drivers and expected from Edifier and they pack a punch you also have their app to tune things up a little more and now with app access with these earbuds they are getting better and almost like a true in-ear experience most people are custom to these days.

With access to the EDIFIER ConneX App y0u get additional functions: drainage function, personalize control settings, find your earbuds, and some EQ functions making them more favourable over ones out there with no app access.

Highs lows and mids all good no tinny sound no lag latency great bass and decent volume can be had here which is great, you can play/pause skip/reverse tracks basically all you need is here apart from ANC.

You also have decent battery life and calls have been clear on my testing they also have an IP56 rating and overall there is nothing to complain about here and I love the colour we got to checkout see more in the video review below on what to expect.

The App – Edifier ConneX

 

Features

 

  • Open-ear clip-on design offers all-day comfortable wearing.
  • Smart audio channel detection for interchangeable use of left and right earbuds.
  • Directional acoustic technology minimizes sound leakage and enhances sound quality.
  • 12mm dynamic driver with titanium-coated composite diaphragm delivers a dynamic, detailed, and powerful sound.
  • AI algorithm ensures clear phone calls.
  • IP56 dust and water resistance ensures durability.
  • Multipoint connection enables smooth devices switching.
  • Effortlessly pause/resume music with wearing detection.
  • Bluetooth® V5.4 for seamless audio streaming and a stable connection.
  • Compatible with the EDIFIER ConneX App for additional functions: drainage function, personalize control settings, find your earbuds, and more.

BUY

Other Edifier Reviews

Video Review