Tag: App

FUJIFILM announces its instax mini 13 instant camera

FUJIFILM Europe GmbH, Imaging Solutions Division, has announced the introduction of its instax mini 13™ instant camera (mini 13). Following in the footsteps of the popular instax mini 12™ instant camera launched in 2023, mini 13 brings a fun, playful new look and feel with its soft, sculpted shape and a metallic silver logo that accents the front of the camera.

New for mini 13 is the introduction of a self-timer, with options for 2 or 10 seconds, giving the photographer the opportunity to be in the shot themselves with their subjects, or for easy hands-free selfies (with the help of the included wedge-shaped angle adjustment accessory). The mini 13’s main features also include a Close-Up Mode, Selfie Mirror, and Auto Exposure capabilities, as well as the Parallax Correction feature, in which the camera’s viewfinder aligns with the lens when using Close-Up Mode, minimizing object shifts to produce a centered photo. The mini 13 also features Automatic Flash Control, which optimizes image quality in bright or low light situations. The lens structure is designed to provide intuitive steps both for powering the camera on/off and for accessing the popular Close-Up Mode with a simple twist of the lens.

 

“Our instax™ mini line of mini instant cameras, smartphone printers, and film represents not only an incredible value for our users, but in many cases, it’s a user’s first foray into analog photography,” said Shin Udono, Senior Vice President, Imaging Solutions, FUJIFILM Europe. “The mini 13 is a perfect fit because experimenting with instant photography – trying out new lighting, poses, or scenes (especially by using the new self-timer feature), are all fantastic ways to express oneself artistically and be a part of your art. We’re looking forward to seeing what our community creates with the mini 13!”  

 

instax UP!™ Smartphone App Update Announced

Along with the introduction of mini 13, the free, downloadable instax™ UP! smartphone app is debuting new and enhanced features. This app is designed for instax™ users to digitally scan, import, organize, and store their photos in one place, regardless of which instax™ instant film, camera or printer product they use. The updated version brings increased image scanning precision by integrating the use of AI. The overall learning capability of the app has been greatly enhanced so that it can recognize images versus backgrounds or other extraneous content, resulting in cleaner, more precise scans. 

New Film Variety Introduced

Pastel Galaxy, the new instax™ mini instant film, will be introduced along with mini 13, featuring a fun cosmic theme complete with sparkly, glossy embellishments, and soothing colors to add a cool vibe to a user’s instax™ photos. 

Colors, Pricing, and Availability

Fujifilm’s instax mini 13™ instant camera will be available in Dreamy Purple, Frost Blue, Candy Pink, Lagoon Green, and Clay White. It will be available to purchase at Fujifilm retailers nationwide from 25th June 2026 at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of €90.00 (inc. VAT). The instax™ mini Pastel Galaxy film will also be available to purchase from 25th June 2026 at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of €11.50 (inc. VAT). 

For more information on instax, please visit www.instax.ie

 

See our instax reviews

 

 

Edifier ES20 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review

The Edifier ES20 is a compact portable Bluetooth speaker that can deliver 6W (RMS) of dynamic sound with punchy bass, thanks to the features a Φ43mm full-range driver with neodymium magnets and a Φ55mm passive bass radiator, powered by a high-efficiency Class-D amplifier. With an IP67 dust and water resistance rating, it’s built for both indoor and outdoor use. Enjoy up to 15 hours of continuous playback, Bluetooth 5.4 with stereo pairing and multi-point connection, and clear calls via the built-in high-sensitivity microphone. Ambient lighting effects and Edifier ConneX app support add a personalized, connected experience.

Having tested the bigger model which is the ES60 some weeks ago I had high expectations and as always Edifier do not dissapoint considering the size of this speaker, not only does it have good looks it has great sound and also sports lighitng effects to suit any mood.

Also on board is the Edifier ConneX app which allows you to customise things even more making it a more vibrant speaker and allows you to cahnge the EQ the light effects and volume and is a simple UI and App to use on this speaker making it easy to get the desired effects.

The sound is excellent for its size as you will see in the video review down below and we also go through the app so you are aware of what is going on it is simple.

Overall this speaker looks great and sounds great ansd ideal for any home or office or your bedside locker giving you a punchy sound and will easily fill a room with good tunes.

Edifier ConneX App

 

  • DYNAMIC 6W RMS SOUND: 43 mm full-range driver and 55 mm passive bass radiator powered by a Class-D amp deliver punchy bass and clear highs for rich audio
  • SEAMLESS BLUETOOTH V5.4: Multi-point pairing lets you connect two devices simultaneously or sync two ES20 speakers for immersive stereo sound
  • LONG-LASTING PLAYTIME: High-capacity battery delivers up to 15 hours of continuous playback and USB-C fast charging restores full power in no time
  • DURABLE COMPACT DESIGN: Fully dustproof and waterproof for reliable outdoor performance, with included strap for secure, on-the-go listening
  • MOOD-SETTING AMBIENT LIGHTING: Five built-in effects enhance any setting from cozy indoor gatherings to backyard outdoor parties, adjustable via top controls or the app
  • INTUITIVE CONTROLS & APP CUSTOMIZATION: Use top buttons or EDIFIER ConneX app for playback control, volume, lighting and sound mode customisation

BUY

Other Edifier Reviews

Video Review

Garmin announces WhatsApp for your Smartwatch

Garmin today announced a new WhatsApp app for select Garmin smartwatches, now available for free in the Connect IQ™ Store. Those with a compatible smartwatch, including select fēnix®, Forerunner®, Venu® and vívoactive® products, can quickly communicate with others – all while keeping their phone in their pocket1.

When using the WhatsApp app on their smartwatch, Garmin customers can:

  • View recent messages and conversations at a glance
  • Read and reply to messages using the built-in keyboard
  • Quickly send emojis and reactions to messages
  • See more chat history with up to 10 messages shown on screen
  • See incoming calls with the option to decline

As always, personal messages and calls on WhatsApp remain protected by end-to-end encryption, so only the user and the person they are talking to can read or listen to them.

Garmin customers can download the WhatsApp app now in the Connect IQ Store.

Furthering innovation through the Garmin developer program

WhatsApp is the first and only third-party messaging app currently available on Garmin smartwatches, made possible through Garmin’s robust developer program and Connect IQ platform.

“Collaborating with WhatsApp underscores the strength and momentum of the Garmin Connect IQ ecosystem. By bringing a global messaging brand like WhatsApp to select Garmin smartwatches, we’re giving customers another meaningful way to stay connected—whether they’re training, exploring or simply on the move.” —Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing

“WhatsApp helps people stay connected no matter what platform they use. We’re proud to bring WhatsApp to Garmin smartwatches, so that more people can keep their private conversations going right from their wrist.”  —Nikhil Joshi, Director of Product Management at Meta

For those interested in building unique wearable experiences leveraging Garmin device sensors and features, click here to learn more about developing in Connect IQ.

The Connect IQ Store is an all-in-one source for Garmin customers looking to personalise their compatible Garmin devices. With thousands of options to choose from, users can download apps, watch faces, music streaming services and more right to their device. The Connect IQ Store is accessible through the Google Play and Apple App Store

How Samsung Is Tackling Sleep Apnea to Energise Your Days

Millions worldwide suffer from sleep apnea, but 80% of sufferers[1] don’t even know they have it. This serious condition causes people to pause breathing while asleep, potentially disrupting oxygen supply, lowering sleep quality, and leading to health complications including hypertension and stroke. Despite these risks, the disorder largely goes unnoticed because getting a diagnosis usually requires time-consuming and costly in-lab sleep studies.

To mark World Sleep Day 2026, a global study of Samsung Health users[2] is shedding new light on the true extent of the condition and the disruptive impact it has on your sleep. Aligned with this year’s World Sleep Day theme, “Sleep Well, Live Better,” Samsung is turning the invisible signs of sleep apnea into actionable insights through its Galaxy Watch series, helping those affected improve their sleep habits and overall health.

How Does Sleep Apnea Impact Your Sleep?

The report found that 23% of study participants are at risk of sleep apnea.

“The microarousals and awakenings that follow breathing pauses fragment your sleep,” explains behavioral sleep scientist Dr. Vanessa Hill. “Those occurrences can prevent the brain from staying in the REM and deep sleep stages necessary for cognitive and physical restoration.”

The report shows these constant disruptions take a direct toll on sleep duration and quality, leading to:

  • Reduced REM Sleep: Participants with moderate to severe sleep apnea indicators detected by their Galaxy Watch got around four minutes less rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the phase where our brains process emotions, consolidate memories and cement learning. Without enough of it, people can experience mood instability and memory problems, impacting performance at work and overall well-being.
  • Less Deep Sleep: Sleep apnea also robs sufferers of deep sleep, approximately eight minutes less per night, on average. This is the body’s critical physical restoration phase, where growth hormone is released, muscles are repaired, and your immune system is activated. Losing out on deep sleep is why you may feel physically exhausted, have slower recovery times, and get sick more often.
  • Frequent Nightly Awakenings: Study participants with signs of sleep apnea also woke up regularly during the night and stayed awake around four minutes longer. These interruptions derail the sleep cycle, locking you into lighter, less restorative stages and making next-day exhaustion inevitable, no matter how long you slept.
  • Shorter Sleep Duration: Overall, people with a higher likelihood of sleep apnea averaged around 12 minutes less sleep. While this loss may seem minor, it can have a significant impact on overall sleep quality as your sleep cycle gets fragmented throughout the night.

Why It Matters: “Even a small loss in sleep duration is compounded by a larger loss of sleep quality,” said Dr. Hill. “This can be the difference between simply being ‘in bed’ and getting restorative rest, which could be why people feel so tired the next day.”

Dr. Hill also advocates a multidimensional approach to sleep health. “Sleep apnea affects many dimensions of sleep, duration, quality, sleep efficiency and even daytime fatigue,” she stated. “They together help determine our health and functioning.”

With sleep apnea shown to impact all aspects of sleep and lead to other health complications, detection is an essential first step in the fight against the condition.

How Does Galaxy Watch Help Detect Signs of Moderate to Severe Sleep Apnea?  

For years, sleep apnea has been difficult to detect due to the need for inconvenient hospital tests. However, Samsung offers at-home detection with a first-of-its-kind Sleep Apnea[3] feature on your Galaxy Watch.

  • How It Works: Users simply track their sleep with a compatible Galaxy Watch[4] for more than four hours over two nights within a ten-day period. Available through the Samsung Health Monitor app, the Sleep Apnea feature enables users to proactively spot signs of the condition. Initially launched in Korea, the feature has since received De Novo authorization from the U.S. FDA and is now available in 78 markets[5] worldwide and counting.
  • The Technology: Leveraging the Galaxy Watch’s BioActive Sensor, the feature tracks blood oxygen levels to determine when the user stops breathing (apnea) or is not breathing enough (hypopnea). Based on this data, the feature estimates the user’s Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), which indicates the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • From Awareness to Action: By detecting signs of sleep apnea early, the feature provides the data needed for an informed consultation with a medical professional. In addition to tackling sleep apnea, your Galaxy Watch can help you build habits for better holistic sleep health. Features include the Sleep Coaching program for detailed analysis and tips on how to improve sleep quality and Bedtime Guidance,[6] which recommends your optimal bedtime to ensure you consistently get enough sleep.

“For years, the inconvenience of an in-lab clinical sleep study has been a barrier to diagnosing sleep apnea,” added Dr. Hill. “Wearable technology such as Galaxy Watch is a breakthrough because it democratizes that first step. It allows people to gather meaningful data from their own beds, providing a starting point for a conversation with a healthcare professional.”

Take Control of Your Night

A good night’s sleep is the first step toward a healthier, more energized life, and Samsung is here to guide you. Samsung’s ecosystem offers end-to-end care, from detecting signs of sleep apnea on your Galaxy Watch to providing suggestions to receive professional adviceto connecting you with professional advice through our health network.

Looking ahead, Samsung is constantly innovating and improving the Sleep Apnea feature to make it even more powerful with sharper insights. Prioritize your rest today to unlock a healthier tomorrow.

[1]Obstructive Sleep Apnea National Indicator Report,” American Academy of Sleep Medicine (2023)

2Samsung Health users from the U.S., South Korea, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Chile, South Africa, and the Philippines participated in the study from January–June 2025.

3The Sleep Apnea feature is an over-the-counter (OTC), software-only, mobile medical application operating on a compatible Samsung Galaxy Watch and phone. It is intended for on demand use. Users should not use this feature to replace traditional methods of diagnosis and treatment by a qualified clinician. The data provided by this device is also not intended to assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders. For users over the age of 22 who have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea, the feature monitors for signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

4Availability may vary by market, carrier, model, or a paired smartphone. Available on Galaxy Watch4 series and later models. The watch requires the Wear OS 5.0 version or later and must be paired with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone with Android 12.0 or later.

5Supported markets include Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norfolk Island, Norway, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Réunion, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen.

6Bedtime guidance is available on Android phone (Android 11 and above) requires Samsung Health app (v6.30.2 or later). Bedtime guidance based on 3 days of sleep analysis of user’s circadian rhythm and sleep pressure. Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or sleep disorder. Please consult a medical professional for advice.

See our Samsung reviews 

Shark Launches PowerDetect UV Reveal – The First Robot Vacuum + Mop to Use UV Technology to Detect Invisible Messes

SharkNinja, a global product design and technology company, today announced the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal, the first robot vacuum and mop that combines UV light detection with a RGB color camera to seek out hidden messes. Available online at SharkNinja.com, Amazon and Costco, as well as online and in stores at Best Buy, PowerDetect™ UV Reveal™ starts at $1,299.99 and is engineered to tackle visible debris and detect and clean messes invisible to the human eye—such as dried-on spills, juices, sweat, or pet accidents—for a deeper clean

Shark Launches PowerDetect™ UV Reveal™ – The First Robot Vacuum + Mop to Use UV Technology to Detect Invisible Messes

With PowerDetect™ UV Reveal™, consumers have insight into what is happening at every step of the cleaning process. Visible light cues indicate when the robot vacuum is seeking a stain, and UV Stain Detect™ reveals the mess under UV light. Then, HyperSonic Mopping™ activates a deliberate scrubbing motion for 7x* the scrubbing power of traditional mopping and up to 2x better stain removal. The robot vacuum then verifies the mess has been removed before moving on to its next task.

“We heard from consumers with robot vacuums that they were never sure if the job was done or what had been cleaned,” said Andy Sundberg, VP of Marketing at SharkNinja. “That’s why we created PowerDetect™ UV Reveal™. By uncovering hidden messes and showing exactly how they’re cleaned, it gives customers the visibility and assurance that their floors don’t just look clean—they are clean.”

What makes UV Reveal™ exceptional is its combination of intelligent sensing and best-in-class cleaning technology:

  • Eight PowerDetect™ Technologies – Optimize cleaning by sensing edges, floor types, objects, and environmental changes in real-time; plus, two exclusive technologies—UV Stain Detect ™ and HyperSonic Mopping™.
  • HyperSonic Mopping™ – A targeted cleaning pattern that delivers 7x* the scrubbing power compared to traditional mopping and up to 2x** better stain removal, with automatic verification that the job is done.
  • UV Stain Detect™ – UV light detection to see hidden messes—dried-on liquids, pet accidents, sweat, dried food splatter, and more.
  • ThermaCharged™ NeverTouch™ Pro Base – Bagless, self‑maintaining base with TÜV‑certified sanitization that cleans the mopping pad after every use, plus an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal designed to trap allergens*** inside instead of releasing them back into the air.
  • NeuroNav AI™ and NeverStuck™ Technology – NeuroNav AI™ uses on‑device sensors, cameras, and advanced algorithms to intelligently guide the robot around your home day or night. NeverStuck™ Technology helps the robot lift over obstacles, allowing it to keep moving and clean your home faster.
  • NeverStop™ Battery – Runs up to three hours to clean your whole home on a single charge and automatically returns to the base to power up when needed.

“Our cleaning heritage gives us a unique edge in robotic vacuums,” continued Sundberg. “We know the challenges consumers face, and we’re using those insights to drive purposeful innovation that creates a better cleaning experience.”

For more information about the Shark® PowerDetect™ UV Reveal™ 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop, visit sharkninja.com.

 

See our robot vacuum reviews 

 

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Roborock QR 598 Series robot floor cleaner review

Roborock might be a new brand for me, but robot vacuums certainly are not, and the QR series slotted into my home setup with very little fuss. It aims to be a one‑stop floor‑care solution, handling both vacuuming and mopping with a modern app‑first approach and some genuinely useful extras rather than just headline specs.

Design and key features

The QR series is a robot floor cleaner designed for both vacuuming and mopping, with an app that builds a detailed map of your home using precision LiDAR navigation and vision‑based motion control. It uses separate clean and dirty water tanks in the dock, and the model I tested is available in both black and white, so it should blend into most homes without shouting for attention.

Key features include:

  • Multifunctional dock for charging, water management and maintenance.
  • 10,000Pa suction rating, which is at the higher end of what I have tested.
  • Anti‑tangle side brush that helps reduce hair wraps.
  • Reactive obstacle avoidance to steer around common household clutter.
  • Dual liftable spinning mops, so it can mop hard floors and lift on carpets.
  • App control with flexible scheduling and zone cleaning.
  • Voice prompts to keep you updated on status and issues.

Build quality feels solid, with the dock and robot both giving the impression they will handle daily use rather than just occasional runs. The twin‑tank setup also means you are not constantly babysitting it with refills for every short clean.

Setup and app experience

Setup is very straightforward, and Roborock has actually made it easier than many older robots I have used. There is a QR code on the box for the app and another on the unit itself to pair to your phone, so you are not hunting for menus or digging through Wi‑Fi settings. The Roborock app is highly rated, sitting at 4.8 out of 5 from over 324k reviews and more than 5 million downloads, and my own experience lines up with that: installation was seamless, it connected to my home Wi‑Fi without drama, and I was able to control the robot both at home and when out without freezes or glitches that some rival products still suffer from.

Once the app was installed, the initial mapping run was impressively fast. On older or lower‑end models I have used, you often have to wait for the robot to physically drive every inch of a room before the map appears. Here, the laser‑based system scans and builds the layout quickly without needing to cover every corner first, and it also picked up carpets on the map, which is handy when you want to fine‑tune where it mops versus vacuums. After the quick map, I could choose to vacuum and mop together or run each mode separately, and there is the usual option to schedule cleans for later.

Noise levels are worth mentioning. During normal vacuum and mop runs the QR series is relatively quiet compared to several models I have tried, which makes it more realistic to run while you are working from home or watching TV in the next room. The flip side is that the dock’s prep and rinse cycles are noticeably loud, and during these stages the otherwise clear voice prompts can be a bit muffled by the background noise.

Real‑world performance

In daily use the QR series behaved like a mature product rather than a first‑generation attempt. Navigation was confident, with the robot moving quickly from room to room and avoiding most obstacles rather than ploughing into chair legs repeatedly. Vacuum and mopping performance were both good, and the option to clean filters when required helps keep suction consistent over time.

One area where it stood out was step handling. The manual states it can climb up to a 2 cm threshold between rooms. In my house the main test is a 2.5 cm step leading onto a timber floor, and most robots I have tested over the years either bounce off this or get stuck halfway. The QR series did hesitate and “think” about it, but in every run it managed to get over the 2.5 cm step, which means it is outperforming its own specification in a useful way.

Day‑to‑day maintenance is straightforward. Swapping or cleaning the water tanks is quick, and you are not wrestling with awkward clips or hidden latches. Filters and brushes are accessible, so routine cleaning does not feel like a chore – which is important if you actually want to keep using the robot long term.

One small but important note for buyers in Ireland and the UK: my review unit came with a two‑pin plug rather than the expected three‑pin UK/Ireland plug, so I had to use an adapter. It is not a deal‑breaker, but it is something you should be aware of when you unbox it.

Company background

Roborock is a Chinese smart‑home cleaning brand founded in Beijing in 2014, originally incubated within Xiaomi’s ecosystem where it first built the Xiaomi‑branded Mi Robot Vacuum before pushing its own name worldwide. The company started out focusing on robot vacuums with advanced mapping and navigation, and its S5 series helped establish Roborock as a serious premium alternative to more established names; over the late 2010s and early 2020s it expanded into the S, Q and other lines, adding mopping, auto‑empty docks and more sophisticated obstacle avoidance as it moved into the mainstream.

Warranty

The QR series comes with a 2‑year warranty when bought through official UK/IE channels, which is reassuring for a product that is likely to see daily use.​

Final thoughts

Overall the Roborock QR series feels like a well‑sorted robot cleaner rather than an experimental gadget, and it shows that the brand has learned a lot from earlier generations. The app is stable and easy to use, mapping is fast and accurate, and general cleaning performance is strong, with particularly good handling of room‑to‑room transitions and that 2.5 cm step in my home. It is not perfect – the dock can be very loud during rinsing and the plug situation on my unit was less than ideal – but if you want a capable vacuum‑and‑mop robot that behaves like it was designed for real homes, the QR series is an easy one to live with.

BUY

Other robot vacuum reviews

Video Review

AIB PTSB and Bank of Ireland to launch Zippay

Ireland’s top three retail banks will this week launch Zippay, the in-app mobile payment service developed by Nexi to help the lenders take on rival fintech giant Revolut.

The service will be made available from 10 March by AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB in a phased launch that reaches a potential userbase of over five million customers. Once launched, it will be made available to all financial institutions offering Irish consumers IBAN-based accounts and a mobile app.

Zippay enables users to send, request and split payments by using the mobile phone numbers of contacts saved in their address book, provided they are also signed up to the service. Customers will be able to send up to €1,000 per day and request up to €500 per transaction.

Brian Hayes, chief executive, banking and payments, Federation Ireland, says: “Starting on 10 March, customers will gradually see Zippay appear in their Irish mobile banking apps. The service will offer them a quick and easy way to send and receive money, or split bills and expenses with friends, family and other contacts using the service.”

AIB Zippay

BOI Zippay

PTSB Zippay

Shopify Reviews Setup Guide: Everything You Need for 2026

Reviews from customers are the heartbeat for every successful online shop. They help build trust, increase sales and boost your rankings on search engines. Indeed, research shows 90% of shoppers look up reviews before they make a purchase. If your Shopify store doesn’t display reviews from customers it’s not making enough money.

This Shopify review app setup article will walk you through the essential information you should be aware of when setting up customer reviews on Shopify by 2026. This includes picking the appropriate application and optimizing your review display to maximize conversions.

No Reviews, No Sales. It’s Really That Simple for Shopify Stores.

Before starting this Shopify product review setup tutorial, it is important to comprehend what makes reviews worthy of your attention.

Reviews of products do more than fill in the blanks on your pages for products. They are endorsements by third parties that establish trust much superior to any writing for marketing. An authentic product page that includes reviews from customers feels honest and genuine, thus reducing the likelihood of purchasing at your online store.

The statistics aren’t flimsy. Reviews have higher conversion rates that those without. The research suggests that when an item reaches the 20-review mark, the chance of purchasing increases dramatically.

In the end, reviews can be an excellent source of information regarding your product and its customers. It will help you understand what people like as well as what they’d like to see something different, and occasionally find new ways to utilize your product.

Choosing the Right Review App for Your Store

Shopify has no built-in review system that is robust enough to support the modern world of e-commerce. Therefore, you’ll require a third party application. Shopify’s App Store Shopify App Store offers dozens of choices, each offering distinct features and prices.

  • Yotpo is a powerful platform that blends reviews with loyalty program or referrals as well as SMS marketing. It’s perfect for growing brands who require the most complete integration of their marketing channels. Yotpo is compatible to Google Seller Ratings and allows users to transfer reviews to platforms such as TikTok as well as Walmart.
  • Judge.me is widely thought to be the most value-for-money for money in the Shopify review area. The “forever free” plan includes unlimited review requests, photo reviews and other essential functions that a lot of apps require. It’s great for SEO since it offers large snippets of content right from the beginning and helps your stars show up on Google results.
  • Loox is the leader in the field in video and photo reviews. It automatically sends emails to offer clients a discount on their next purchase, in exchange for their photo review. It creates a continuous flow of visual user-generated content that makes the pages of your products appear more lively.
  • Okendo provides a wide range of customization options and the capability to record particular product features such as “Fit: True to Size.” It seamlessly integrates with marketing software for email, such as Klaviyo which makes it the preferred choice of well-established, fast-growing brands.
  • Vitals is a full-featured app that offers reviews, packages for upsells, countdown times as well as visitor record tools. Vitals is a great choice if you’re trying to integrate several functions in one application.

Following this Shopify product review setup tutorial, if you are choosing an application, be sure to consider the cost, whether you require photo or video reviews, and what SEO capabilities are important for your company. The majority of apps have free trials and you are able to try several before you decide.

Step-by-Step: Installing and Setting Up Your Review App

During Shopify review app setup, when you’ve picked one of the apps, the configuration procedure is simple. This is the case with Judge.me as an illustration since it’s among the most well-known options; however, the process is identical for the majority of review apps.

Step 1: Install the App

In the Shopify administrator, click the Apps section and select Shopify App Store. Find the app you want to install and click “Install.” Follow the steps to allow the app, and then connect the app to your account.

Step 2: Configure Basic Settings

Once you’ve installed the app, you’ll be directed to the application’s dashboard. Make sure you’ve configured the basic features:

  • Choose your voice for branding and moderating preferences. It is possible to publish each review manually, edit them or even use an approach that is hybrid.
  • Choose who is eligible to write reviews. It is usually a matter of all email addresses, verified purchasers only, or customers who have the status of loyalty.

You can enable uploads for video or photos in order to gather evidence of social media through visuals.

Step 3: Create Automated Review Requests

One of the greatest advantages of the app is its ability to automate. Create email sequences which will automatically solicit reviews once the customers have received their order.

  • Access the app’s email or automated settings. Create your email request for a review template to ensure it’s professional and personal.
  • Choose the time If you are purchasing physical items, make the initial inquiry 7-14 days after delivery. Digital products should be sent 24-48 hours after purchase is acceptable.

Think about sending out a reminder to customers who do not answer the initial request. If your app is compatible with SMS, think about the possibility of a follow-up via SMS. SMS messages are open at over 90%. They could significantly increase response rates.

Step 4: Add the Review Widget to Your Product Pages

It is now time to show reviews so that customers are able to see the reviews.

  • Click on Online Store > Themes and select “Customize” on your current theme. Within the theme editor choose the default product and products from the dropdown menu at the top.
  • Select “Add section” or “Add block.” Find your review application’s widget. It may be referred to as “Review Widget,” “Star Rating,” or some similar.

The widget can be dropped onto the location you prefer. The ideal location is typically beneath the title of the item or next to”Add to Cart” button “Add to Cart” button. Click “Save.”

Step 5: Test Everything

Before you call the setup to complete testing the complete procedure. Create a test purchase, and ensure that you have received an email with a request to review when it is scheduled. 

Review your purchase by attaching a photograph and confirm that the review is displayed on the page of your product and appears good on both desktop as well as mobile.

Best Practices for Collecting More Reviews

Setting up a review software is only the first step. To ensure a constant flow of new reviews requires a continuous approach to collecting.

  • The timing is crucial. Review requests are made too quickly and people haven’t made up their minds. If you request too late, the customer has changed their minds. Most physical goods, 7-14 days after delivery is the ideal time.
  • The process of reviewing should be as easy as it can get. Make use of one-click hyperlinks in your emails, which take users straight to an easy online form. Upload photos and videos straight from mobiles without accounts to be created.
  • Rewards can greatly boost review completion rate. But, it’s important to design them in a way that is appropriate. Provide rewards for authentic review, not just favorable reviews. You will be in compliance to FTC guidelines as well as ensuring credibility.

Common Setup Issues and Fixes

  • Even after careful configuration issues can still develop. If you see star ratings on the product page but they aren’t on the collection page it is likely that you have to add the star rating block into your template collection.
  • Review widgets are sometimes cause slowdowns on your website. Select applications that are known for their light code, and make lazy loading available for review widgets, and check your website’s speed prior to and after the installation.
  • If multiple applications are using review schema, Google might get confused. Make use of browser developer tools to check the origin of your site and verify that there is only one schema markup is in place.
  • If you’ve imported your reviews from a different site and you’re not seeing them ensure that the handles or SKUs you’ve added to your import files match with the ones in the store you have created. Shopify store.

Conclusion

The ability to add product reviews to your Shopify shop is among the most profitable investments you could invest in. Reviews help build trust, improve conversions, boost SEO and offer valuable customer insight. 

If you follow this shopify product review setup tutorial it is possible to select the best app, set it up correctly, and create collections workflows to keep the freshest social proof flowing on the pages of your products.

When performing your Shopify review app setup, begin by choosing an application which meets your requirements and budget. Install it, set your settings, and add widgets on your product pages, then create automated review requests.

Next, you should focus on gathering more reviews by using clever timing, simple methods, and intelligent rewards. Make sure you take control of your reviews through responding to feedback and using the data to optimize your products and your marketing.

 

Gemini app: Create custom music tracks with Lyria 3

Since launching the Gemini app, they built tools to encourage creative expression through images and video. Today, Gemini is taking the next step: custom music generation. Lyria 3, Google DeepMind’s latest generative music model, is rolling out today in the Gemini app. Just describe an idea or upload a photo, like a comical R&B slow jam about a sock finding their match” and in a matter of seconds, Gemini will translate it into a high-quality, catchy track. To push the creative envelope further, you can even ask Gemini to take inspiration from something you upload. See more below.

Lyria 3 improves on audio generation from the previous model version in three important ways: 

  1. No need to provide your own lyrics! They’ll be generated for you based on your prompt.

  2. You have more creative control over elements like style, vocals and tempo you want.

  3. You can create more realistic and musically complex tracks. 


Here’s how you can use it:

  • Text to tracks: Describe a specific genre, mood, inside joke, or memory to create unique tracks with lyrics or instrumental audio that fits your vibe. “Create a track about my favorite meal my mom used to make, it was made of rice, plantains and beans. Use an Afrobeats vibe and the singer should sound West African.” 

  • From photos and videos to track: Upload a photo or video and watch Gemini use the content to compose a track with lyrics that fit the mood perfectly. “Use these photos to create a track about my dog Duncan on a hike in the woods.” 


The Gemini app creates 30-second tracks with custom cover art generated by Nano Banana. This makes it easy to quickly share with friends by downloading or simply clicking the share link. The goal of these tracks isn’t to create a musical masterpiece, but rather to give you a fun, unique way to express yourself.

Creators can also explore Lyria 3 on YouTube’s Dream Track. Available in the U.S. and now rolling out to YouTube creators in other countries, Lyria 3 will enhance the quality of each unique Shorts soundtrack. Whether it’s creating a lyrical verse or a vibey backing track, being able to better customize the soundtrack will take creators’ Shorts to the next level.

New audio verification capabilities 

All tracks generated in the Gemini app are embedded with SynthID, our imperceptible watermark for identifying Google AI-generated content. We are also giving you more tools to help identify AI content, broadening our verification capabilities in the Gemini app to include audio. Simply upload a file and ask if it was generated using Google AI, and Gemini will check for SynthID and use its own reasoning to return a response.

Our commitment to developing generative AI responsibly 

Since we first launched Lyria in 2023, we’ve sought to develop this technology responsibly in collaboration with the music community. We’ve learned a lot through these collaborations and our experiments, like Music AI Sandbox, and have been very mindful of copyright and partner agreements as we’ve trained Lyria 3. 


Music generation with Lyria 3 is designed for original expression, not for mimicking existing artists. If your prompt names a specific artist, Gemini will take this as broad creative inspiration and create a track that shares a similar style or mood. We also have filters in place to check outputs against existing content. We recognize that our approach might not be foolproof, so you can report content that may violate your rights or the rights of others. Additionally, in order to use our products, users must adhere to our Terms of Service and Gen AI prohibited use policies, which prohibit violations of others’ intellectual property and privacy rights. 


Lyria 3 is available in the Gemini app for all users 18+ in English, German, Spanish, French, Hindi, Japanese, Korean and Portuguese, with plans to expand quality and coverage of more languages. And Google AI Plus, Pro and Ultra subscribers will enjoy higher limits. Our goal with music generation in the Gemini app is to help you add a fun, custom soundtrack to your daily life. Try it out today at gemini.google.com.