TCL Unveils NXTPAPER 11 Plus: A Groundbreaking Tablet for Eye Comfort, Productivity & Creativity

TCL, a global leader in display innovation for smartphones, tablets, and connected devices, is proud to announce the European availability of the TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus tablet, launched at MWC 2025.

Designed for students, professionals, and creatives, this device transforms digital interactions with an advanced paper-like display that enhances comfort, focus, and usability. Powered by the latest NXTPAPER 4.0 technology and AI-driven features, it redefines how users read, work, and create while ensuring long-term eye health. NXTPAPER is TCL’s proprietary display innovation, designed as an alternative to conventional screens that cause eye fatigue. By replicating the experience of reading on paper, NXTPAPER 4.0 ensures superior eye comfort without sacrificing colour vibrancy, making it ideal for extended screen time.

Revolutionary NXTPAPER 4.0 Technology for Healthier Screen Time

Unlike conventional LCD tablets, NXTPAPER 4.0 delivers a natural, glare-free experience, reducing eye fatigue while maintaining rich, vibrant colours. The 11.5-inch 2.2K display integrates multi-layered eye protection, minimising harmful blue light emissions without compromising clarity.

A nano-etched, anti-glare surface enhances readability in bright conditions, making it ideal for long study sessions, professional tasks, and creative projects. With TÜV Rheinland, SGS, and EyeSafe certifications, TCL sets a new industry benchmark for display comfort and sustainability.

AI-Powered Intelligence for Enhanced Productivity

The TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus is more than just a display innovation—it introduces intelligent AI-powered tools designed to optimise productivity and streamline everyday tasks. With Text Assist, users can refine text efficiently through intelligent rewriting, summarisation, and translation tools, making tasks like email drafting or event planning seamless. Writing Assist further enhances content creation, offering AI-driven support for structured writing.

Smart Voice Memo automatically records, transcribes, and summarises meetings, ensuring users capture key discussions effortlessly.

For an even more intuitive experience, Circle to Search with Google allows users to simply circle an item on-screen with a finger or the T-Pen to initiate a search, streamlining information retrieval. Meanwhile, Smart Translator breaks down language barriers by translating voice, text, and images in real-time, while AI Subtitles provide automatic translations for video content, ensuring users stay connected in a globally digital world.

Further enhancing usability, the NXTPAPER Key now functions as an all-in-one shortcut, enabling users to trigger AI tools and frequently used apps with customisable gestures. Paired with dynamic light effects for notifications and interactions, the tablet delivers an intelligent, user-centric experience that adapts to personal habits and needs.

A New Era of Eye Comfort

With NXTPAPER 4.0, the TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus redefines screen time comfort. Its 120Hz refresh rate ensures ultra-smooth interactions, whether reading, writing, or streaming. The ΔE≈1 colour accuracy and 100% sRGB gamut provide true-to-life visuals, making it ideal for students, creatives, and professionals alike.

Personalized and Intuitive Usability

The TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus adapts effortlessly to different lifestyles, making it an essential companion for students, professionals, creatives, and families. For students, it offers an e-reader-like experience with smart note-taking tools that enhance learning. Professionals benefit from AI-powered features like Smart Voice Memo and seamless multitasking for increased productivity. Meanwhile, creatives can take advantage of the ultra-responsive T-Pen and high colour accuracy, turning the tablet into a digital sketchpad for design and illustration.

Designed for everyday use, the NXTPAPER 11 Plus ensures a comfortable, eye-friendly experience with its anti-glare, paper-like display. Whether for long study sessions, work, entertainment, or travel, the tablet provides clear, vibrant visuals while reducing eye strain. Families and on-the-go users will appreciate its adaptability—perfect for watching content at home, reading outdoors, or staying productive on the move.

Designed to adapt to individual preferences, the NXTPAPER 11 Plus introduces advanced AI-driven customisation tools, including Smart Eye Comfort Mode and Personalized Eye Comfort Mode. These features intelligently optimise display settings based on environmental lighting, user habits, and specific usage scenarios—whether reading, studying, or enjoying entertainment.

Productivity Meets Creativity

Equipped with a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, the NXTPAPER 11 Plus ensures fast and reliable performance, supporting multitasking across work and entertainment. The 8000mAh battery offers all-day usage, while 33W fast charging minimises downtime. Its reverse charging capability allows it to serve as a power source for other gadgets, adding versatility for busy, on-the-go lifestyles.

Creative users will appreciate the optional T-Pen, which provides 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity for precision drawing, note-taking, or intricate design work. The tablet’s IP54-rated durability further ensures its reliability in diverse environments, from home to outdoor settings.

The TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus 256GB tablet is available now at Very.com and Curry’s for £299*. Please find links below:

Very.com

Curry’s

Other TCL news

CELSIUS Hits the Road to Fuel Fitness and Festival Spirit Across Ireland and the UK

CELSIUS, the premium, lifestyle energy drink formulated for active lifestyles, is hitting the road this August in its new, custom-designed CELSIUS Airstream to bring an unmissable wave of energy to cultural events with its refreshing fruit-forward flavours.

In Ireland, Olympic sprinter and Team CELSIUS Ambassador Rhasidat Adeleke will host the CELSIUS VIBE Run Club in Dublin on 22 July.

From muddy fields to main stages and sold-out stadium shows to grassroots fitness activations, CELSIUS will tour the nation to keep crowds going with an immersive, high-impact brand activation featuring giveaways and good vibes. Festivalgoers can expect glitter applications, photo booths, music, exclusive merch, and tens of thousands of CELSIUS samples to enhance their experiences.

Powering the moments that matter, the Airstream will be positioned around:

  • Solomon – 8 August – Cutty Sark, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT
  • Big Smoke Festival – 9 August – Crystal Palace Station, London SE19 2AZ
  • Anjunadeep – 10 August – Cutty Sark, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT
  • South Facing Festival – 15 August – Crystal Palace Station, London SE19 2AZ
  • All Points East – 16 August – The Green, Shoreditch High Street station, Braithwaite Street, Shoreditch, London, E1 6AE
  • Leeds Festival – 22 August – Leeds Station, New Station St, Leeds LS1 4DY
  • Reading Festival – 23 and 24 August – Reading Station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ

The roadshow builds on the brand’s presence near some of the UK’s most iconic cultural moments already this year, from major music gatherings and city festivals to world-class sporting occasions.

Carlotta Cattelani, Head of Marketing – UK&I at CELSIUS, said: “Our new CELSIUS Airstream allows us to continue building something different here – a brand that’s not just seen on shelves, but felt in culture. Whether it’s through the festivals they wait all year for or the fitness communities they belong to, CELSIUS is showing up with purpose and momentum. What sets CELSIUS apart is its ability to deliver functional energy with no compromise on taste, powered by a blend of seven vitamins that supports normal immune function (B6, B12, C) and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue (B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C). We’re here to help the nation make the most of every day.”

CELSIUS is also tapping into the growing demand for fitness community experiences. In Ireland, Irish Olympic sprinter and Team CELSIUS Ambassador Rhasidat Adeleke will return home on 22 July to host the CELSIUS VIBE Run Club at Dublin City University in conjunction with Runners High Run Club. Rhasidat will share her elite sprinting tips, favourite drills, and motivation to push participants beyond their limits. Tickets are free but limited; register on Eventbrite.

From 28 August, the brand will make its way to Stradbally, stopping in Rathcoole and Portlaoise, with thousands of samples planned across Electric Picnic weekend.

Building on its popularity in the US, CELSIUS is embedding itself into British and Irish cultural calendars and connecting consumers to the brand’s LIVE FIT ethos through a dynamic mix of music, sport, and lifestyle.

As the festival season hits its peak and wellness-orientated consumers continue to seek functional energy options, CELSIUS is fast becoming a staple in both routines and experiences across the UK and Ireland – and beyond!

CELSIUS is available nationwide. To find a local retailer, visit uk.celsius.com/buy-locate/.

HOMEBOT Ireland Spritz Robot Vacuum and Mop review

The HOMEBOT Ireland Spritz Robot Vacuum and Mop is a more affordable offering that is out there and from the brand who has a higher end offering which is good to see with having choice and choice is important rather than offer one off products.

Having tested many of these products over the years this one was somewhat on my mind to see what it can do at the price and it faired out better in some instances as you will see in the video review below than more expensive offerings you find today.

The set-up is simple here with the Smart Life app and takes around 5 minutes to go through the whole app and see what is on offer you can see some screenshots below and again in the video.

The HOMEBOT Ireland Spritz Robot Vacuum and Mop is the average size so for storage it is not a huge issue and once you find a home for it you may as well just leave it sat there as it maps out your rooms you can merge rooms or map two rooms together in the initial set up depending on your home layout etc.

The unit is not too heavy and is easy to move around anyway so for people with the rooms or floors that it can work on upstairs or downstairs will not have issues here.

There is a simple brush mechanism and mop underneath with with a water and power tray that are all easy to remove clean and wash out after use again less hassle than others I have tried before.

Dirt and water tray with cleaning brush and filter

Once you have your personal set-up finished you can further enhance things with managing rooms, scheduling, watch your clean record find your robot do a carpet boost and prevent children tampering with it there is also a remote control option here which many will find cool like a recent lawmower we did it is fun taking control as well as letting it do all the work for you.

The result is better than expected from this model at its price these are coming down in price in general and no a more common sight in people homes these days due to the cost these robotic cleaner started off at silly prices when I started testing them and cost to performance ratio is like alot of tech now coming down meaning you get more for less and in fairness with this model it done the job and left my floors nice and shiny which I did not fully expect and again navigated around complex situations with ease and there is less faffing around with a clunky app.

 

The SmartLife App

 

 

Key Features:

  • LDS SLAM Navigation System: Experience precision cleaning with the latest LDS SLAM technology, which maps your home for efficient navigation and thorough cleaning.
  • Smart Mapping & Room Divider: Customize your cleaning process using the app’s map and room divider features. Easily manage and clean specific areas of your home.
  • Dual Cleaning Modes: Choose between Vacuum only or Vacuum & Mop modes to suit your cleaning needs. Tackle dirt, dust, and spills with ease.
  • Multi-Floor Mapping: Ideal for multi-storey homes, this robot can save and switch between maps for different floors, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  • Obstacle Detection & No-Go Zones: Intelligent sensors detect and avoid obstacles, while the No-Go Zones feature lets you restrict access to sensitive areas.
  • Auto Carpet Boost: Automatically increases suction power on carpets for a deeper clean, leaving your carpets fresh and debris-free.
  • Climbs Over Door Saddles: Capable of climbing over door saddles, this robot seamlessly transitions between rooms without getting stuck.
  • Washable Filter: For lower maintenance costs, the washable filter ensures long-term usability and hassle-free cleaning.
  • Extended Battery Life: Enjoy up to 100 minutes of continuous cleaning on a single charge, perfect for covering large areas without interruption.

BUY

Other home vacuum reviews

Video Review

Vodafone Ireland reports 76% year on year growth in device trade-ins

Vodafone Ireland, the leading communications partner to Irish consumers and businesses, today reported a sharp 76% increase in its device trade ins in June, compared to June 2024.

Publishing the data today, Vodafone Ireland reported a ‘record month’ with more customers than ever trading in their old devices and its ‘best week ever’ – one in three customers buying a new handset traded in their old device during the last week of June, demonstrating a growing shift toward responsible tech ownership and more sustainable choices.

Devices are traded in to be recycled, refurbished and reused, while the average trade-in value currently received by customers is €150* per transaction. As a responsible communications partner, the Trade In service is part of Vodafone Ireland’s commitment to sustainability and supporting consumers to make sustainable choices.

Driving Affordability 

The Trade-In service allows customers to release the residual value of their devices, which they can then use to reduce the price of a new device, gain store credit to purchase accessories, or opt for the price to come straight off their bill.

This service, pioneered by Vodafone Ireland – another Vodafone first – and launched in 2022, is available to consumers across Vodafone’s 80 retail stores nationwide, with all reporting strong uptake of the initiative. To date, Irish consumers have saved over €8 million through this e-waste service.

This initiative was established to address the increasing challenge of e-waste in Ireland. A recent study estimated that there are 7.3 million unused smartphones** in Irish households, demonstrating the opportunity for trade-in options to see these devices responsibly reused, recycled or repurposed rather than going to waste.

Trade-In  

Consumers can trade in their phones, tablets, iPads and smart watches while Vodafone Ireland also accepts devices for responsible recycling, including laptops.

The service offers an effective and tangible solution to Ireland’s e-waste challenge, with every device traded in first securely wiped of data, and then either refurbished for reuse or responsibly recycled — with 0% sent to landfill.

This circular approach prevents valuable materials from going to waste and reduces the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new devices. By making trade-ins simple and rewarding for Irish consumers, Vodafone Ireland is driving greater consumer participation in the shift towards sustainable and responsible tech ownership.

Earlier this month, Vodafone Ireland was named Best Mobile Operator for the 10th consecutive year by independent benchmarking organisation umlaut, achieving a record-breaking score. The recognition highlights Vodafone’s €500 million five-year investment in network and its role as the connectivity partner to 60% of Irish businesses.

Commenting today, Sabrina Casalta, CEO, Vodafone Ireland said:  

“Trade in plays a critical role in driving Vodafone Ireland’s commitment to protecting the planet, as well as offering affordability for our customers. With one in every three customers across our retail stores trading in a handset, we’re delivering on our ambition to tackle e-waste and supporting the circular economy in Ireland. These results are commendable and testament to the efforts of our team, our retail colleagues and also to our customers throughout the country who are taking action.  

‘We’ve invested heavily in this campaign since 2022 because we saw an opportunity to make a difference. We encourage Irish consumers to maintain this momentum and continue to support us in tackling e-waste through trading in their device for repair, recycle or repurposing. This is a tangible method to deliver change and make a difference for generations to come.” 

Over 2,000 people work with Vodafone in Ireland across its Dublin HQ and 80 retail units across the country while the company has more than 2.3 million customers and growing.

New state-of-the-art facility for Arm opens in Galway

Arm, the company that is building the future of computing, recently celebrated the official opening of its new state-of-the-art facility in Galway City. Since establishing operations in Galway in 2014, Arm has expanded to 90 staff members locally, and more than 4800 employees across Europe.

Arm’s facility at Crown Square, which recently welcomed a visit from Taoiseach Micheál Martin, will become home to innovative advancements in technology.

This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment Peter Burke TD said: “The opening of Arm’s new facility in Galway is a strong endorsement of Ireland’s position as a global hub for research, innovation and advanced semiconductor technologies. We recently launched Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy which aims to have Ireland firmly at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry, targeting emerging technologies, showcasing our manufacturing expertise, R&D capacity, and enterprise supports which will generate high-quality, highly skilled employment opportunities across Ireland.

I thank Arm for its continued commitment to Galway and look forward to the positive impact this will have on the region and the wider economy. I wish all the team at Arm every success for the future.”

“Ireland’s new National Semiconductor Strategy underscores the country’s growing importance in the global technology landscape,” said Mike Lardner, senior director, Engineering, Arm. “We’re proud that our teams in Galway are helping deliver the computing foundations for the next era of innovation — advancing research, strengthening the local ecosystem, and building the future of AI on Arm.”

IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan said: I wish to congratulate Arm on this strategic move into a new state-of-the-art facility in Galway City.  A key player in the semiconductor industry, Arm is recognised for its capability in mobile and licensing of chip designs. This new Galway facility is part of Arm’s strategy to expand its market reach and talent pool in Ireland, supporting innovative work in semiconductor and technology development.  I’d like to wish Arm continued success.

Mastering the Art of Reading Electrical Plans: Key Symbols and Shortcuts

Understanding electrical plans is a crucial skill for anyone involved in construction, whether you’re an electrician, architect, or even a student learning about electrical systems. These blueprints contain all the vital information needed for electrical installations, from the placement of outlets and switches to the wiring system that powers everything.

For professionals, interpreting these plans accurately is essential to ensure the electrical system works efficiently and safely. AI software for electrical estimators can help automate the process, offering faster, more accurate insights based on the electrical plan data.

Drawer AI can simplify your electrical estimating. In this guide, we will explore how to read an electrical plan, break down key symbols, and provide shortcuts to help you interpret these plans with confidence. 

What is an Electrical Plan?

A comprehensive design or blueprint that illustrates the arrangement of an electrical system in a building or construction project is called an electrical plan. The placement of electrical panels, wiring, outlets, switches, lights, and other crucial elements of the electrical infrastructure are all listed.

An electrical plan usually consists of the following:

  • Power sources: Where the electricity comes from and how it enters the building.
  • Lighting and power circuits: Locations of light fixtures, switches, and outlets.
  • Wiring systems: Types of wires used, the path of wires, and the junctions where they meet.
  • Grounding systems: How the electrical system is safely grounded to prevent electrical hazards.

Reading and interpreting these plans is key to ensuring that the electrical system is built correctly and meets safety standards.

Key Symbols in Electrical Plans

Electrical plans rely on a variety of symbols to represent the various electrical components in the building. These symbols are standardized to make it easier for engineers, electricians, and contractors to understand and communicate the design.

Common Electrical Symbols

  1. Light Fixture (Bulb): Often represented by a circle with an “X” in the middle, indicating where the light fixtures will be placed.
    • Shortcut: Imagine a bulb with a small “X” in the middle to represent light fixtures on the plan.
  2. Power Outlet (Receptacle): Usually drawn as a small circle with two horizontal lines inside, symbolizing where electrical outlets are installed.
    • Shortcut: Think of a small dot or circle to mark outlets on the electrical blueprint.
  3. Switches: Typically shown as a small line connected to a circle. A single-line switch is used to control one light or circuit, while a double-line switch may control multiple lights.
    • Shortcut: A line that swings open and closes, representing the switch’s on/off functionality.
  4. Electrical Panel: Drawn as a rectangle or square, it represents the electrical distribution panel where the circuits are connected.
    • Shortcut: Imagine the central box that connects everything, controlling the flow of electricity to the rest of the building.
  5. Grounding Symbol: This symbol looks like a set of three horizontal lines stacked on top of each other, with the bottom line wider than the others.
    • Shortcut: The grounding symbol shows how the electrical system is safely connected to the ground to avoid electrical shock.
  6. Circuit Breakers: Shown as squares or rectangles, these represent where the electrical circuits are protected from overloads or short circuits.
    • Shortcut: Picture a small switch inside a box, indicating where the circuit can be turned off or reset in case of an emergency.

Reading an Electrical Plan: Step-by-Step

Once you understand the key symbols, you can start interpreting the full electrical plan. Here’s how you can read and understand the details of an electrical blueprint.

Step 1: Understand the Legend or Key

Most electrical plans will come with a legend or key that defines all the symbols used throughout the drawing. The key is an essential part of understanding the plan, as it outlines what each symbol represents. Always check the legend before proceeding with your review of the plan.

  • Shortcut: If you’re unsure of a symbol, refer to the key for clarification. It’s like having a cheat sheet that explains everything!

Step 2: Identify the Power Source and Main Panel

The next thing to look for is the main power source and electrical panel. These will be clearly marked on the plan. The electrical panel is typically located near the center of the building and connects all the circuits in the building to the main power source.

  • Shortcut: Look for the big box with lines or symbols that connect to the rest of the plan – this is your starting point.

Step 3: Find light fixtures, switches, and outlets

After determining the primary power source, begin searching for the symbols for switches, outlets, and light fixtures. These symbols will indicate the locations in the building where the electrical components must be installed.

  • Shortcut: Light fixtures are typically identified by a “X” enclosed in a circle, while outlets are typically identified by circles. Lines joined to a circle make up switches.

Step 4: Trace the Wiring Paths

Electrical plans often include lines that trace the path of the wiring throughout the building. These lines indicate how electricity flows from the electrical panel to outlets, switches, and fixtures. Some plans may use different types of lines to represent different kinds of wiring, such as standard power wiring or low-voltage wiring for alarm systems.

  • Shortcut: Follow the lines like a path or river to see how electricity will flow and where each component is connected.

Step 5: Look for Special Symbols for Other Components

In addition to the common electrical symbols, you might also find symbols for other components like fire alarms, emergency lighting, or HVAC systems. These symbols will be defined in the plan’s legend, so be sure to check for them if they’re relevant to the project.

  • Shortcut: If you see something unusual, check the legend to see what it means.

Using AI Software for Electrical Estimating

Reading electrical plans manually can be time-consuming, but with AI software for electrical estimators, you can speed up the process significantly. 

Here’s how AI software can help:

  1. Faster Data Extraction: AI can quickly extract relevant data from blueprints, such as the number of outlets, switches, and light fixtures, and generate a material list.
  2. Error Reduction: By guaranteeing that the data is reliable and consistent across the entire plan, AI lowers human error.
  3. Real-Time Updates: AI systems can immediately update the estimations to reflect any changes in the electrical design.

While guaranteeing that your estimates are precise and effective, this program can help you save a significant amount of time.

 

Conclusion

At first, reading an electrical design could appear difficult, but it becomes much simpler if you know the correct symbols and shortcuts. Being able to understand these blueprints is an essential ability for anyone studying electrical systems or working as a professional.

By automating data extraction, lowering errors, and maintaining the accuracy of your estimates, AI software for electrical estimators can further increase productivity. Equipped with this understanding, you’ll be able to confidently take on any electrical plan, guaranteeing that your projects remain on schedule and within budget.

DCS eyes sustainable expansion with UK’s first HP Latex R530 printer

Diversified printing business Digital Creative Services (London) Limited (DCS) has become the first company in the UK to invest in and install an HP Latex R530 hybrid printer to support its aim of offering customers access to truly sustainable printing services.

Located in London’s Royal Victoria Dock, on the same complex as the Excel Exhibition Centre, DCS offers a wide range of services across digital and lithographic printing. The company works with customers across various sectors, including global beauty brands, financial institutions, sports clubs and educational settings.

Overseeing operations at DCS is Managing Director Barry Page, who, along with his business partner and Co-Owner Dave Gibbons, purchased DCS in June 2020. Over the past five years, the company has gone from strength to strength, integrating several other businesses to expand its offering and investing in new machinery on a regular basis to support this ongoing expansion.

This ethos led to the first UK investment in the new HP Latex R530 hybrid printer, which was purchased through approved HP distributor Papergraphics and installed at the DCS site in April 2025.

Running at a top speed of 24sq m/hr in indoor mode, the machine can print on media up to 1.6m wide and as thick as 5cm. It runs 3-litre ink cartridges across both colours and white, with DCS opting for the white ink model to help meet the ever-changing demands of its customers.

The compact HP Latex R530 can be seamlessly switched between rigid and flexible applications, delivering consistent, high-quality output – up to 1200 x 600dpi – across various media types. It enables print service providers (PSPs) such as DCS to tap into new markets and expand into new print applications. Such are its far-reaching capabilities that the printer can be used to produce applications such as indoor and outdoor signage, wall coverings, vehicle wraps and graphics, POS and packaging

Features such as automatic recirculation and printhead cleaning enable businesses to bolster uptime and reduce maintenance costs, while an intuitive touchscreen makes it easy to operate, and a single-phase power system enables effortless installation. In addition to this is the ability to streamline workflows with remote production control through the HP PrintOS Production Hub.

As is the case with all HP Latex printers, the new HP Latex R530 runs water-based inks, which have much less impact on the environment than solvent, eco-solvent and UV inks. Working with HP Latex inks also improves the recyclability of printed applications, whereas using other ink types can prove a major stumbling block for printers.

With many DCS customers having a strong focus on the environment and reducing their impact on the planet, Barry Page said the HP Latex R530 will fit in perfectly at DCS to help deliver sustainable printing to clients.

“The decision to purchase the HP Latex machine was in part driven by our clients’ needs to ensure they reach their sustainability targets, plus our own ethos of buying the most environmentally friendly equipment in the market in line with our ISO 14001 Environmental Management system,” Barry said. “Our objective is to help our customers achieve their ever more sustainable goals, which are aligned to our own.

“We have carried out a lot of work to be able to offer ever improving environmentally responsible operations and the range of recycled and recyclable materials that we offer. We clearly see this investment as the next step of this ongoing process.”

As to the type of work DCS will be running on the new printer, Barry said the machine will mainly be used for producing freestanding exhibition display boards, with the company having identified this as a key growth market. It will also increase capacity for other printed work such as office décor and window manifestation.

“We will have an improved offering to our existing clients as well as attracting new ones thanks to the quality and sustainability we can now provide,” Barry said.

With DCS clearly not a company to rest on its laurels, Barry said the business is constantly on the look-out for ways to further enhance production and could soon return to HP for another Latex investment.

“If we meet our objectives for the business over the next 12 months, we will then consider the HP Latex FS50 as our next investment,” Barry said.

See our printer reviews

How to Find Authentic Windows Keys at Affordable Prices

Whether you’re building a new PC, upgrading from an older version of Windows, or simply reinstalling your OS, one thing you’ll need is a valid product key. But in a market flooded with too-good-to-be-true offers, finding genuine Windows and Office keys that are both legitimate and affordable can be a challenge.

If you’re in the U.S. or anywhere else, you don’t have to pay the full retail price from Microsoft to get a genuine key, but you do need to know where and how to shop smart. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to find authentic Windows keys without getting scammed, what types of keys are available, and the red flags to avoid.

What Is a Windows Key and Why Is Authenticity Important?

A Windows product key is a 25-character code used to activate and validate your Windows installation. This activation ensures that your copy of Windows is genuine, which unlocks all features, security updates, and support.

Installing Windows without a valid key may still work for a while, but you’ll eventually run into limitations like persistent activation warnings, reduced personalization, or even security risks. More importantly, using unauthorized or pirated keys could lead to software deactivation or potential legal trouble.

Types of Windows Keys Available Online

Before you start shopping, it helps to understand the main types of Windows product keys you’ll come across:

· Retail Keys – These are full-priced licenses sold by Microsoft or authorized resellers. They can be transferred to another computer if you’re switching devices.

· OEM Keys (Original Equipment Manufacturer) – Typically pre-installed on new PCs or sold at a discount. They’re locked to the first device they’re activated on, so they can’t be reused or transferred.

· Volume License Keys – Intended for businesses and large organizations. These are sometimes resold illegally online and should be avoided unless you’re purchasing directly from a verified, authorized distributor.

For most individual users, Retail and OEM keys are the best options. The key is to find a trustworthy seller offering one of these at a reasonable price.

Where to Buy Authentic Windows Keys Without Overpaying

Microsoft Store

Buying directly from Microsoft guarantees authenticity, but it’s also the most expensive option. Still, it’s a good benchmark for comparing prices and ideal if you want the highest level of customer support.

Authorized Retailers

Reputable tech stores offer genuine Windows keys at slightly reduced prices. These keys usually arrive digitally and can be activated right away.

These platforms often provide digital delivery within minutes and include activation guarantees. While they’re not Microsoft-authorized, many users report successful activation. Stick with platforms that:

· Have positive reviews

· Offer secure checkout

· Provide a refund policy if activation fails.

How to Spot a Fake or Gray-Market Key

Not all keys are created equal, and some may not be legal or permanent. Here are the warning signs:

· Extremely low prices (under USD 10) – These often indicate illegitimate keys or those resold from other countries or expired enterprise licenses.

· No contact or refund info – Trustworthy sellers always provide customer support.

· Poor or no reviews – Lack of third-party feedback is a red flag.

· Forced activation workarounds – If you’re asked to use sketchy software to bypass activation, walk away.

A good practice is to check user feedback on platforms like Trustpilot or Reddit before committing to a purchase from unfamiliar sellers.

Understanding Regional Restrictions

Some Windows keys sold online are region-locked. If you’re buying from a global reseller, make sure the key is valid for use in your country. Otherwise, you may encounter an activation error or be forced to use a VPN, which violates Microsoft’s terms of service.

What to Do After You Purchase

Once you’ve received your key, here’s how to activate it safely:

1. Install Windows (if you haven’t already).

2. Go to Settings > System > Activation.

3. Enter your new product key and follow the prompts.

4. Restart your PC and confirm that Windows is activated.

If you run into activation errors, contact the seller immediately. Reputable platforms often provide a replacement key or a refund.

Can You Use Free Alternatives?

Yes, Microsoft allows users to install Windows without activating it. But the unactivated version comes with limitations like:

· A watermark in the bottom-right corner

· No personalization options (themes, colors, wallpaper)

· Potential issues with updates and security features

If you’re just testing a PC, this is fine temporarily. But for long-term use, a genuine key is worth the peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Finding an affordable, authentic Windows key is all about balance—cost versus credibility. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true, and always verify the legitimacy of the seller. Buying from trusted sources ensures your software is safe, secure, and fully functional.

You don’t have to pay top dollar, but you should always pay smart. With a little research and caution, you can get Windows up and running legally without breaking the bank or risking your system’s integrity.

SIRO and Ivertec have announced rollout 10 Gigabit broadband service in Killarney

Fibre broadband network operator, SIRO, and Kerry and Munster broadband retailer, Ivertec, have announced the rollout of a 10 Gigabit broadband service in Killarney. SIRO’s first 10 Gigabit connection in the region.

The service is designed to enhance Ivertec’s existing fibre broadband offering to its significant business customer base.  The 10 Gigabit service allows Ivertec to offer Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) services and improved capacity to local businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and retail sectors, where the need for fast and reliable connectivity is essential.

Critically, the circuit also serves as a resilient backup route for Ivertec’s national network.  This means that if an issue occurs on the network, there is a back-up connection in place to ensure that end user businesses do not experience disruption.

The foundation underpinning Ivertec expanded offering to Kerry and Munster businesses is SIRO’s 100% fibre network, delivering symmetrical speeds. The latter means that businesses can enjoy the same level of upload and downloads speeds, which can be essential for business-critical operations such as video conferencing or uploading data to the Cloud.

10 Gigabit fibre broadband will not only allow Ivertec to meet the needs of its customers today but will also ensure that they can seamlessly continue to provide greater bandwidth and speeds to local businesses, as the latter’s data demands grow into the future.

 Aoife O’Reilly, SIRO’s Head of Enterprise, commented:
“SIRO’s is pleased to partner with Ivertec on 10 Gigabit fibre broadband for its Kerry and Munster customers. The partnership supports growing demand from businesses for dependable, high-speed and future proofed connectivity. It reflects our shared focus on strengthening digital infrastructure in regional areas.”

Gerard O’Sullivan, Ivertec CEO, said:

“We’re delighted to enhance fibre connectivity in Killarney with the launch of a new 10Gb circuit from SIRO. This circuit provides a fully diverse fibre path into our network in the region, complementing our existing backhaul connection between Kerry and Dublin. In the event of any disruption to our primary fibre route, the SIRO circuit ensures uninterrupted service for our customers in the area. This additional layer of resilience is vital for delivering high-availability internet and VoIP services—particularly for the many local businesses that depend on Ivertec for reliable connectivity every day.”