Tag: Android

Loftie Launches Loftie+ Habit System to Help People Put Their Phones Down

Loftie, maker of the award-winning alarm clock that replaces the smartphone on the nightstand, today launches Loftie+ — a behaviour-change system built to change habits, not track data.

Over half of UK and Irish adults stay up later than planned because of their phones — rising to 73% of 18- to 24-year-olds in the UK (Deloitte, 2024). The sleep industry’s answer: sell people a tracker and a score.

Loftie+ includes a Loftie Card — a credit card-sized NFC device designed to be carried in a wallet and used throughout the day.

“The sleep industry is obsessed with measurement,” said Matt Hassett, founder and CEO of Loftie. “People are staring at a dozen numbers every morning trying to figure out why they feel terrible — while the phone that’s wrecking their sleep is the same device giving them the score. We’re not interested in adding more data. We’re interested in helping you put the phone down.”

Loftie+ is a mobile app (£9.99/€9.99 monthly or £59.99/€59.99 yearly) that works on its own — no Loftie hardware required. It combines nightly app blocking, daytime focus tools, and screen-time challenges, plus a credit card-sized Loftie Card for your wallet and a free browser extension.

At night: the app schedules blocking around sleep in three phases — Relax, Sleep, and Rise — guiding users from wind-down to wake-up with minimal phone interference.

During the day: the Loftie Card triggers Focus mode with a single tap — at your desk, before a meeting, when the kids get home. Unlike screen-time apps that stay on a shelf at home, the Card lives in your wallet, with you wherever you need to focus.

A free home screen widget, Flip, replaces your phone’s app grid with just the apps you choose — no icons, no distractions.

Loftie+ builds on a platform serving over 15,000 members across curated audio, personalised bedtime stories, and wind-down routines. For Loftie hardware owners, an optional feature called Loftie Drift blocks selected apps automatically when you enter the bedroom, using Bluetooth from your Clock or Lamp.

Loftie+ is available now on iOS and Android across the UK and EU. The browser extension and Flip are free.

About Loftie

Loftie is a sleep wellness brand designing products that help people put their phones down — for deeper sleep at night and better focus by day. The line includes the Loftie Clock, Loftie Lamp, and Loftie+. The Loftie Clock has been named a TIME Best Invention, recommended by Wirecutter five years running, and is carried at MoMA Design Store, Goop, and URBN.

Virgin Media to lead internet speeds in Ireland at the end of Q1 2026.

SpeedGeo, the platform that measures network quality, has prepared a report on internet speeds in Ireland at the end of Q1 2026 (for the last 12 months). The results confirm the trend from last year: the clear leader in the fixed internet category is Virgin Media (287.5 Mbps).

The rankings are based on user tests of V-Speed, the operator of the SpeedGeo platform (e.g. in the web application for browsers, application for Android). The analysis is based on 77,000 tests carried out in the networks of fixed and mobile operators via WiFi routers (Fixed Wirelles). Test results are rigorously verified for abuse, and operators with a minimum of 3 per cent of the total test volume are included in the rankings.in web application for Android

The average broadband speed in Ireland during the period under review was 174.3 Mbps, a significant increase (+14%) compared to the 2025 year-end table (152.5 Mbps). Virgin Media was the clear leader of the ranking (287.5 Mbps) ahead of Eir and Sky. Virgin Media also delivered the fastest upload (62.3 Mbps) with a small lead over its rivals. The average broadband latency in Ireland is around 30 ms, with the three leaders, however, offering significantly lower latency at around 20 ms.

Table. Broadband quality of leading operators in Ireland in 2025/1Q 2026.

Internet Provider Download (Mbps) Upload (Mbps) Latency (ms)
Virgin Media 287.5 62.3 20
Eir 204.7 58.2 21
Sky 186.6 53.8 19
All ISPs 174.3 57.1 30.5

Test distribution and quarterly results of the three fastest providers.

For more information on the quality of the internet in Ireland, click here.

 

Wave of ‘Hi Mam / Hi Dad..” and bank impersonation scam texts in circulation

Bank of Ireland is advising customers to be vigilant amid a notable rise in impersonation scams, including fake family text and bogus bank alerts.  Impersonation scams are one of the most common tactics used by fraudsters, with criminals posing as trusted contact, to prompt quick action. These scams arrive by text or via messaging apps and are designed to look familiar, urgent and may even be personalised.

The current wave of scams involves fraudsters pretending to be a family member with a damaged or lost phone, asking for the recipient to pay for something urgently.

The message typically begins with a seemingly innocent message such as ‘Hi Mam / Hi Dad, this is my new number….’ followed by a request asking for help to pay for something. In some cases, the fraudster will ask for a payment to be made to a specific bank account or in other cases ask for a card number and then set it up on a digital wallet e.g. Apple Pay or Google Pay (and ask Mam for the code that the bank just sent).

Fraudsters are also sending texts that closely mimic legitimate Bank of Ireland fraud‑alert messages, particularly those asking customers to confirm whether they recognise a recent card transaction. These scam texts are designed to look authentic, using similar wording and formats to real security messages. While Bank of Ireland may contact customers to verify transactions, genuine staff will never ask you to share your full card details, one-time passcodes or to move your money to keep it safe.

Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud at Bank of Ireland, said: “Smishing attempts tend to appear in waves, from motorway toll charges to government payment scams, but the goal remains the same – to get people to share their banking details or transfer money directly into the hands of fraudsters.

We have seen the “Hi Mam / Hi Dad…” texts before.  This is a case of fraudsters revisiting a tactic that has worked for them before, preying on a parents’ instinct to respond to a child in need. The sense of urgency in bank impersonation texts is designed to panic people into action to protect their money.

Although 70% of the Irish population are confident they can spot scams according to our latest research*, unfortunately people are still being caught out by these scams. 

Our advice is simple – always be on your guard, and pause.  Whether the message claims to be from your son, daughter, or your bank- always call back on a number that you already know. That one small step protects you and shuts down the scam instantly”.

Bank of Ireland’s guidance to help customers stay in control:

  • If you receive an unexpected message from a child or family member asking for help—do not reply and do not click any links.
  • Verify the sender by calling your family member on their usual number saved in your contacts.
  • TextChecker service – if you get a text that claims to be from Bank of Ireland but you are not sure if it’s genuine, here’s how to verify it:
    • Copy the text you wish to verify.digitPaste into a new message.
    • Add the word CHECK before the text. (In the same text)
    • Send to 50365.
  • If you receive a suspicious text, email a screenshot to 365Security@boi.com and then delete the message.
  • Bank of Ireland customers who believe they may have shared banking information should call the Bank of Ireland 24/7 Freephone line immediately.

Google: Search Live is expanding globally

Today, Google is starting to roll out Search Live globally in all languages and locations where AI Mode is available. With this launch, people in more than 200 countries and territories will be able to have interactive conversations with Search in AI Mode, using both voice and camera.

This expansion is enabled by their new audio and voice model, Gemini 3.1 Flash Live, which delivers even more natural and intuitive conversations. The new model is also inherently multilingual, which means that people around the world will be able to speak with Search in their preferred language. Read more below..

Bringing Search Live to more people

Search Live is designed for those moments when you need real-time help, and typing out a query just won’t cut it. To go Live with Search, simply open the Google app on Android or iOS and tap the Live icon under the Search bar. From there, you can ask your question out loud to get a helpful audio response, then continue the conversation with follow-up questions or dive deeper with helpful web links.

If you want to ask about something in front of you, like how to install a new shelving unit you can enable your camera to add visual context. This way, Search can see what your camera sees and offer helpful suggestions, plus links to more information on the web.

You can also access Search Live if you’re already pointing your camera with Google Lens — just tap the Live option at the bottom of the screen to have a real-time, back-and-forth conversation about what you see in the real world.

We’re always working to make Search more helpful, and we’re excited to see how people around the world use Search Live to learn, explore and get things done.

Mangoal Front and Rear DashCam (OEM MG-006C-1BA) Review

The Mangoal OEM MG-006C-1BA is a dual dashcam kit featuring front 4K and rear Full HD cameras, powered via your vehicle’s OBD port rather than the traditional cigarette-lighter cable. The unit comes with a 128GB microSD card, adhesive mounting, and uses the SkyCamm mobile app (iOS/Android) for setup, live view, and playback.

Mangoal, founded in 2013, specialises in OEM dash cams and wireless chargers compatible with over 15+ global car brands and 1,000+ models. Their devices hold CE, RoHS, and FCC certifications.

Installation & App (SkyCamm)

The installation process was more straightforward than expected. Using the OBD connector eliminates the need to hardwire into the fuse box or battery. Cables tucked away cleanly, creating a professional, near-invisible finish — a big plus over suction-cup models.

⚠️ Tip: Always check your vehicle model before purchasing the OBD cable — some cars (e.g., Mazda 6) may require specific connectors.

The SkyCamm app connects via Wi-Fi (not your home network). It’s user-friendly, offering live viewing, video downloads, and configuration for recording resolution, loop duration, and voice alerts. Tutorials show car-specific installation steps, making the setup accessible even for first-time installers.

Camera Quality & Footage Analysis

Testing covered day and night recording on an Android phone (downloaded footage), and viewed on a Windows laptop, and a 55-inch 4K television.
 The front camera produced sharp, true-4K imagery (3840 × 2160 px)

Camera Resolution (H × V) Megapixels Common Name Notes Average File Size (1 min) 128 GB Storage
Front 4K UHD 3840 × 2160 8.3 Ultra HD (4K) Manufacturer spec confirmed 130 MB (TechBuzz Ireland test result) ≈ 16.8 hours
Front + Rear – – Dual recording Combined total 188 MB (TechBuzz Ireland test result) ≈ 11.6 hours

Visual results:

  • Daytime: Excellent sharpness and licence-plate legibility even at distance.
  • Night: Clear and well-balanced exposure, maintaining visibility in low light.
  • Playback: Crisp and stable across devices, minimal compression artefacts.
  • Storage: Efficient loop recording; G-sensor reliably locks collision footage.

Overall, the footage quality outperforms many mid-range dash cams, particularly for the 4K front lens.

 Strengths

  • True 4K front camera delivers crisp, high-detail footage.
  • Clean, wire-free installation using OBD power.
  • Free SkyCamm app is intuitive and feature-rich.
  • 128 GB card included (a welcome bonus).
  • Dual-channel continuous recording with event lock.

Limitations

  • Rear camera records at Full HD, not the advertised 2K.
  • 1-year warranty feels short for the price bracket.
  • Adhesive mount makes repositioning difficult once fixed.

Verdict

The Mangoal MG-006C-1BA dash cam kit stands out for its 4K front recording, discreet OBD installation, and simple app control. While the rear camera isn’t true 2K and the warranty is modest, the overall package offers excellent visual quality and seamless installation.

Based on TechBuzz Ireland’s real-world testing, a 128GB card provides around 11 hours of dual-camera footage before automatically overwriting older files — typical behaviour for continuous loop recording. This is ideal for drivers seeking a permanent, tidy setup with reliable 4K recording.

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Zens unveils the world’s thinnest Qi2.2 Semi Solid State Powerbank

Zens, the market leader in wireless charging unveils the world’s thinnest Semi Solid State Powerbank with Qi2.2. At just 8 mm thin and 5,000 mAh, it sets a new standard in portable power. Ultra-thin, lightweight, and designed with a clean, minimalist finish that pairs seamlessly with iPhone and Android devices.
 
This next-generation powerbank combines semi solid state battery technology with Qi2.2 magnetic fast charging up to 25W for iPhone 16 and newer. Slim enough to carry anywhere, powerful enough to rely on every day. For those who need more capacity, Zens also introduces a 10,000 mAh version at 14 mm thin. Ideal for frequent top-ups throughout the day, while maintaining the same clean look and feel.

The semi solid state battery architecture enhances thermal stability, improves resistance to shock and temperature changes, and extends overall battery lifespan. The result is a lighter, more durable powerbank with a longer lifecycle. Qi2.2 certification ensures safe, reliable magnetic wireless charging. It also supports up to 15W for iPhone 12–15 and compatible Android devices.

“At Zens, we design products that make life easier,” says Johan Plasmans, CEO of Zens. “With an ultra-thin lightweight design, and semi solid state battery innovation, we are delivering longer lifecycle performance. One outlet is all you need to charge both your phone and powerbank overnight, while Qi2.2 enables fast magnetic top-ups during the day. The result is the freedom and confidence to stay powered on the move.”

Key features:

  • World’s thinnest 5,000 mAh semi solid state powerbank at 8 mm
  • 10,000 mAh version at 14 mm for extended use
  • Qi2.2 wireless charging up to 25W (iPhone 16 and newer)
  • Up to 15W for iPhone 12–15 and compatible Android devices
  • Power Pass-Through: charge both your phone and powerbank overnight with one cable
  • Charge two devices at once
  • Enhanced durability and extended battery lifespan

The Zens Semi Solid State Powerbanks are available as pre-order via zens.tech and selected partners worldwide.

nPerf launches the first 4K streaming test

At nPerf, their objective is to provide the most complete and objective view possible of network performance, in order to contribute to better connectivity for everyone.

This commitment requires continuous adaptation of our tools to real-world usage.

Streaming at the heart of the user experience

Watching an online video is not limited to connection speed alone. Perceived quality depends on smooth, stable playback that matches the requested resolution. This is exactly what the nPerf streaming test measures, by evaluating the overall quality of experience as it is truly lived by users.

In response to the widespread adoption of high resolutions, nPerf has evolved its test to remain faithful to current usage and to its mission of objectivity.

4K integrated into the streaming test

The nPerf streaming test now supports 2160p (4K) resolution.

This evolution makes it possible to analyze more precisely the ability of networks to support some of the most demanding video use cases.

At the same time, the measured resolutions have been refocused on formats that are actually used today:

720p (HD Ready)

1080p (Full HD)

2160p (4K or UHD)

A faster test, with no compromise on quality

This evolution also brings a direct improvement for users. The new accelerated “Fast Forward” mode now makes it possible to speed up video playback in 720p (HD Ready) and 1080p (Full HD), while maintaining a precise and representative level of measurement. This feature divides the total duration of the streaming test by two.

A time saver, with no compromise on the reliability of the results.

Available on all platforms

This new 2160p (4K) streaming test is now available across all nPerf applications: Android, iOS and Desktop.

nPerf – Turning individual measurements into collective progress

HBO Max To Launch In The UK & Ireland On Thursday, March 26

For the first time ever, audiences in the UK and Ireland will be able to stream content from HBO, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, DC Studios and Max Originals, all in one place on HBO Max, one might ask now is there a need or will we cancel something else to avail of this as the monthly subsriptions add up and are getting costly.

Award winning Max Original, The Pitt, will premiere in the UK & Ireland on HBO Max from launch, including all of the first season available from day one

2026 features one of HBO’s best ever slates, upcoming content will include new seasons of Euphoria and House of the Dragon, as well as the debut of Lanterns from DC Studios

Movie fans will be able to watch the Academy Award nominated slate and best of the box office including Superman, One Battle After Another, Sinners, A Minecraft Movie and Dune: Part One

Sports fans will access their TNT Sports streaming subscription via HBO Max in the UK starting Thursday, March 26

Subscribers will have four monthly entertainment plans to choose from starting at £4.99 per month, with viewers able to enjoy the complete HBO Max entertainment line-up, including recently released movies, starting at £5.99 per month in the UK & Ireland

In the UK & Ireland, the service will be available directly via hbomax.com and via launch partners including Sky and Prime Video

 

LONDON, UK – HBO Max, the premier global streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery, is launching in the UK and Ireland on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Already available in over 110 territories worldwide, HBO Max offers the ultimate mix of best-in-class series, movies, extraordinary real-life stories and, via TNT Sports in the UK, live sport. For the first time, audiences in the UK and Ireland will be able to stream the exclusive collection of unmissable stories from HBO, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, DC Studios and Max Originals, all in one place via HBO Max.

HBO Max will also become the streaming home of TNT Sports in the UK, giving subscribers access to top quality live sports content including the Premier League, Emirates FA Cup, Adobe Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, Gallagher PREM Rugby, Premiership Women’s Rugby, UFC, MotoGP, Grand Slam tennis, Grand Tour cycling and much more.

Unmissable Shows and Movies
At launch, the complete first season of 2025 Emmy, Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award Winning Max Original The Pitt will be available to stream for the first time in the UK and Ireland, with episodes of the latest second season rolling out weekly.

HBO Max will be the home of brand-new HBO Original series, including Lanterns, based on the iconic DC title “Green Lantern” which premieres summer 2026, and the highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series.

Within the first few months alone, subscribers will have access to a range of new HBO Original Series including DTF St. Louis, Rooster and the third and final season of The Comeback.

Beginning March 26, HBO Max will be the only place subscribers in the UK and Ireland can catch up on all seasons of the blockbuster HBO Original Euphoria, before the arrival of its highly anticipated third season in April.

In addition, an extensive range of the HBO and Warner Bros. Television libraries – from Succession to Friends, The Sopranos to Game of Thrones and more, will be available in full, exclusively on HBO Max.

Movie fans will also be able to enjoy the best of the box office including the record-setting Oscar-nominated One Battle After Another and Sinners, as well as Superman, A Minecraft Movie, Dune: Part One and rediscover the magic of the entire Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings franchises.

New streaming home for TNT Sports
HBO Max will include the full range of TNT Sports content and live coverage. Subscribers can stream exclusive matches from the Premier League, Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League, as well as every Gallagher PREM Rugby match, Premiership Women’s Rugby, more than 1,000 live cycling broadcasts each year including every stage from the Tour de France, every match from the Australian Open and Roland-Garros, every MotoGP race, plus the World Snooker Tour, the winter sports season, Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 and much more. With an unchanged price of £30.99 per month for TNT Sports, the service will offer subscribers a standalone TNT Sports plan or ability to purchase alongside select HBO Max plans1, providing fans with the ultimate sports streaming experience that includes innovative in-app features across key sports and events – putting fans in control of how they watch.

In March, sports fans will be able to enjoy a full weekend of live Gallagher PREM Rugby, plus more live football with Emirates FA Cup and UEFA Champions League quarter finals streaming live in early April.

Following HBO Max’s launch, TNT Sports will also continue to be distributed via existing partners in the UK & Ireland. discovery+ will continue as the streaming home of TNT Sports in the UK until TNT Sports moves to HBO Max on 26 March. From this time, fans who subscribe to TNT Sports via partners2 in the UK will be able to access it on HBO Max.

JB Perrette, CEO and President of Global Streaming and Games at Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “After decades of delighting audiences in the UK & Ireland with our remarkable stories and brands, it’s a huge thrill to finally bring it all together on HBO Max, and also offer it directly to all consumers. Starting at just £4.99 per month or £5.99 for our complete entertainment offer – HBO Max brings the most differentiated and best streaming offer to market.”

Andrew Georgiou President & Managing Director for Warner Bros. Discovery UK & Ireland and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe said: “Launching HBO Max in the UK & Ireland marks a significant moment for viewers here. HBO Max will offer them their most loved series and movies from HBO, Warner Bros. and DC Studios, alongside premium sports from TNT Sports in the UK, within an outstanding single destination for this great content and strong value proposition. Nowhere else will you be able to get The Pitt, House of the Dragon, Euphoria, Lanterns, Superman, One Battle After Another, as well as the eagerly awaited Harry Potter series, all together.”

Accessible and flexible range of plans for every viewer
Beginning March 26, viewers in the UK and Ireland will have a range of entry points to HBO Max spanning four monthly entertainment plans, providing accessible and flexible options to suit all preferences. In the UK, TNT Sports is also available as standalone plan or can be purchased alongside select HBO Max entertainment plans1.

The following will be available from launch beginning March 26:

  • Basic with Ads (£4.99/month): Stream on 2 devices in Full HD
    • All the best HBO Max shows and movies, excluding movies that first stream on the service following their theatrical release window.
  • Standard with Ads (£5.99/month): Stream on 2 devices in Full HD, with 30 downloads3
    • All the best HBO Max shows and movies, including movies that first stream on the service following their theatrical release window.
  • Standard (£9.99/month): Stream on 2 devices in Full HD, with 30 downloads3
    • All the best HBO Max shows and movies on an ad free basis,4 including movies that first stream on the service following their theatrical release window.
  • Premium (£14.99/month): Stream on 4 devices in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Atmos (where available) and 100 downloads3
    • The ultimate HBO Max experience with all the best HBO Max shows and movies on an ad free basis,4 including movies that first stream on the service following their theatrical release window.
  • TNT Sports Plan (£30.99/month): Including TNT Sports 1-4, TNT Sports Ultimate, live event feeds and TNT Sports Original Documentaries (limited to two of your available streams)
    • Can be purchased within the UK as a standalone plan or in addition to select entertainment plans1. 

Available direct and via launch partners
At launch HBO Max will be available direct from hbomax.com, for more details go to hbomax.com.

In addition, HBO Max launch partners in the UK & Ireland will include Sky and, announced today, Prime Video giving customers even more ways to access award-winning entertainment, movies and live sport .

Watch Your Way
HBO Max will be available on all major devices including TVs, set-top boxes, streaming devices, mobiles, tablets, game consoles and platforms including Android, EE / BT TV, Fire TV, iOS, LG, PlayStation, Roku, Samsung, Virgin TV and Xbox.

Subscribers will be able to create up to five personalised profiles, receive tailored recommendations and enjoy features like Continue Watching and, depending on your plan, offline downloads. Families will also be able to set up kid-friendly profiles with age-appropriate content and parental controls.

HBO Max will be available for pre-registration on the App Store and Google Play beginning March 12.

Global Expansion of HBO Max
The UK & Ireland launch marks a major milestone for the service as it completes its European rollout. HBO Max launched first in the US in 2020 and has since expanded across Latin America, Europe and Asia. For Q3 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery reported 128 million streaming subscribers.

UMEVO Note Plus – Magnetic AI Voice Recorder Review

The UMEVO Note Plus – Magnetic AI Voice Recorder is a handy new kit to  have at your disposal which can save you time and effort and the thing here is its size which is remarkable and literally the size of a credit card which uses ChatGPT and complies with GDPR.

This is also not constrained to a single OS use and works with Android iOS, Windows and Linux making it more flexible than others out there on the market.

You will need to download and app called AI DVR App to use it on your smartphone which is how we tested it out and it works rather well after time and occasionly like all other offerings picks things up wrong but for the most it works and what is also great here is the support for up to 140 languages.

The device itself is also well made and looks premium too and can attach to the back your smartphone with MagSafe or you can use the ring provided in the box so here again a win for non Magsafe devices.

The UMEVO NOte Plus gives real-time transcription, simultaneous interpretation, conversation translation, and smart audio editing—bringing professional-grade language processing to your fingertips.

There is a tiny display up top and one button so no messing around here either and it is simple to use as you will see in the full video review down below.

This is an ideal tool for workplace professionals, medical professionals, legal workers, journalists, teachers, students, sales representatives, content creators, and 100+ other professions and certainly has started to make life easier for me over the last while and it is also not expensive either.

The AI DVR App

Features

 

  • Free unlimited transcription: Enjoy free unlimited transcription minutes in your first year with no restrictions (Year 2 onward: see the FAQ at the bottom of this page)
  • New features: Real-time transcription, simultaneous interpretation, conversation translation, and smart audio editing—bringing professional-grade language processing to your fingertips
  • Powered by AI: Advanced AI transcription and summarization developed with ChatGPT and more—featuring multiple professional templates for various use cases and support for 140 transcription languages, with built-in translation functionality
  • Dual-mode recording: One-press meetings and calls capture
  • Storage & Battery Specs: 64GB storage, 40-hour continuous recording, 60 days standby
  • Data security: SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, and EN 18031 compliant
  • Device compatibility: Apple, Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, Motorola, OPPO, OnePlus, TCL, Honor, and other major brands
  • Perfectly suited for: workplace professionals, medical professionals, legal workers, journalists, teachers, students, sales representatives, content creators, and 100+ other professions

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