Winter is coming. Or rather, Winter Offers are coming as SMARTY Mobile today announces they are adding two new offers to their existing 125GB for £12 seasonal deal. Save on stress over the festive period and beyond, with 180GB for £15 and 15GB for £7.
Everyone knows that January is definitely the longest month of the year, with most people having to stretch December’s pay from the 23rd December through to the end of January. Tight doesn’t even come close, when you add the temptations of the sales season and the burdens and time spent out and about during the festive period. SMARTY Mobile can help customers through this ‘stressmas’ season, by saving on their phone plan and that’s one less thing to worry about. And as the Winter Offers plans are available to purchase until mid-February, customers can navigate the New Year blues, saving rather than scrimping this January. Forget New Year New Me, try New Year New SIM.
SMARTY Mobile’s Winter Offers:
180GB for £15: That’s all the Christmas films you could ever want ready to stream on your train ride home
15GB for £7: Get started on your Spotify Wrapped for 2024 by streaming your favourite artists with this cost-effective offer
125GB for £12: All the data you need to find the best bargains in sale season.
With SMARTY, customers can switch, pause or cancel at any time so they can ramp up or downgrade their data whenever they need to. And as Which? Recommended Provider of the Year for the third year running, the low-cost SIM-only mobile network offers the best value, all year round with no price rises, no contract and all on the flexibility of 1-month plans.
All SMARTY plans come with EU Roaming included up to 12GB – perfect for anyone after some winter sun or preparing to hit the slopes. On top of this, you get 5G as standard, and unlimited calls and texts.
SMARTY Mobile’s Winter Offers launched in December and are available for a limited time only. For more information and to sign up to SMARTY mobile, visit www.smarty.co.uk
The CASEKOO Xmas Magic Stand Cloud Cush case for iPhone 15 Pro is a limited edition case now on offer and is an ideal case for yourself or as a gift this Christmas which is kinda cool if you are into the Christmassy stuff, this would be an ideal gift also for Kris Kindle in the office and more.
This case is different in some ways to their previous cases but still has the Air cushioning on it which is excellent and I have dropped my phone many times and these cases saved me and expensive bill, you also get 3D printed technology featuring side-embedded holiday motifs and visible air cushions. Our 360° High Resilience Air Cushion provides all-around impact absorption through gas compression, ensuring military-grade protection against drops. We have done drop tests in the video review below so check those out.
The case will come in a snowman or santa offering so it is up to you to decide which one you want, not only the company claims that your case will never yellow and is engineered with advanced materials, the Cloud Cush Version resists yellowing, ensuring it stays crystal clear over time. The Christmas edition combines lasting durability with timeless design, maintaining its pristine look for longer without material wear affecting the festive aesthetics.
The buttons on the case again are perfect with great travel and tactile and work with no issues at all, all the ports are available as expected and there is a lip around the front of the case as well as the rear on the camera hump protecting the device be it face down aor back down. There is also a border on the front matching the festive theme which adds more protection on the front.
You can also use the case in both horizontal and portrait mode with the super strong magnetic MagSafe compatible CloudCush and MagicStand letting you have it at any angle you like when in portrait mode, wireless charging works with no issue either so overall this a really nice case to get hold of while you can.
Check the video review below for a more detailed look. If you have not seen their previous cases we reviewed you can check them out here.
CASEKOO iPhone Air Bumper Shockproof Rubbery Grip Phone Case with Built-in Magnetic Kickstand and MagSafe Compatible – Cloud Cush Christmas Series Magic Stand Limited Version
【World’s First Air-filled Case】Three years ago, we were inspired by the air cushion technology used in running shoes and came up with the idea of filling phone cases with air. After countless experiments, we successfully created the Cloud Cush series -CASEKOO designed for iPhone 15 Pro case with a tough air frame. It’s soft to the touch and extremely cushioned, providing your iPhone with strong protection just like installing a 360° car-airbag.
【Cloud Cush & Magic Stand – Peak Encounter】The Cloud Cush-Magic Stand series is the perfect combination of style and practicality. It provides powerful protection and invisible magnetic stand multi-functional use of the iPhone. Imagine a life where you are no longer afraid of dropping your iPhone, where you can easily and stably connect all your Magsafe accessories, and where you can open the stand at any time to free your hands! The Cloud Cush-Magic Stand was born for this purpose.
【Magnetic Magic】CASEKOO designed for iPhone 15 Pro case is compatible with all MagSafe accessories and third-party Qi-certified wireless chargers. It provides a built-in 48pcs magnets ring structure, explicitly arranged with CASEKOO’s HalBach array-tech, allowing for 2X STRONGER magnetism than the Official’s.HalBach ensures almost 0% POWER LOSS during wireless charging,making charging FASTER YET SAFER.It shortens overall charging time and further improves your wireless charging experience.
【Hands-Free, Hassle-Free】CASEKOO compatible with iPhone 15 Pro phone case incorporates an innovative invisible stand design with an exclusive appearance patented. Constructed with the LIGHTWEIGHT YET DURABLE aerospace aluminum alloy, the circular kickstand brings the portability of the phone case to a new level. In addition, it can be placed in portrait or landscape mode stably. You can adjust it between 40°~120° as your wish. Enjoy every watching moment.
【Redefining Military-Grade Drop Protection】Based on 5000+ extreme drop resistance tests, CASEKOO designed for iPhone 15 Pro cases’ DURABILITY AND STURDINESS surpass most general phone cases. Furthermore,the shockproof tough air-filled bumper and hard PC back plate increase its durability and protect your phone against everyday drops and bumps. A 2.5 mm offset border over the camera opening prevents the lens from being scratched; a 1.5 mm bezel over the screen keeps the screen from damage.
The GlobaLink Christmas Window Lights are an affordable option to dress up your home this Christmas and simple to use and simple to install you can be set up in less that five minutes and have your window or wherever you might place them looking nice in no time.
These are again battery operated requiring three AA batteries which are not included so get your batteries in early folks as every year there does be a rush to get them, there is sticky pads to stick to your window or wall and you can create your own design no matter where placed in the home or even outside as they are IP65 rated.
Overall these are a nice addition to your home and effective and as always this time of year we have many homes competing with each other and in fact has already started but watch what else is coming soon with some more real tech decorations for the home.
Features
Stunning Star Lights】GlobaLink Christmas window lights – the perfect addition to your festive decorations! Overall length is 2.2M, the light wire is 1.2M and extension wire is 1M. There are 5 strands of different lengths of string lights with stars（30CM spacing）and a total of 96 LED beads. These sparkling star fairy lights are perfect for adding a warm and fantastic glow to your windows, curtains, or even your Christmas tree, creating a strong festive atmosphere.
🌟【Battery Operated & Timer】– The fairy star window lights is powered by 3*AA batteries(Battery not included in the package), which guarantees better flexibility and convenience, so you don’t worry about whether there will be a proper socket to match the plugs. The LED star christmas lights also has a timer function: it can be set to turn on for 6 hours and turn off for 18 hours. Such a user-friendly function to facilitate your life.
🌟【8 Modes and Colour Changing】– Choose from 8 different modes, switching easily between warm white and coloured lights to suit any occasion or mood. The 8 lighting modes include Warm white-constant, Warm white-flashing, Warm white fade, Coloured-constant, Coloured-flashing, Coloured-fade, Two colour toggle flashing and fade.
🌟【IP65 Waterproof & Safety】– With its IP65 waterproof rating and high-quality materials, you can enjoy these star curtain lights year-round, both indoors and outdoors! The lamp beads of our low-voltage fairy Christmas star window light produce almost no heat when working, means they’re always safe for children and animals to be around all season.
🌟【Easy to Install】– We have designed small hooks on each of the 5 strands of string lights and the battery box, and come with 6 sticky hooks. These can help you install and remove the LED star Lights and avoid damage caused by entanglement.
IT.ie, the Irish-owned IT services company, today reveals the “12 Scams of Christmas”, outlining the digital ruses consumers are most likely to fall for this festive season.
As consumers prepare for the festive season, it can be an opportunity for cybercriminals to take advantage of increased online activity to gain access to sensitive data. Last year, An Garda Síochána issued a warning to consumers, stating that online fraud was on the rise at Christmas time.
To help them to keep their personal information safe, IT.ie is encouraging consumers to “channel their inner Scrooge” by fiercely protecting their data and hard-earned money from criminals. This year, the message is clear: be a Scrooge with your private and financial data – or it might become a gift for criminals.
The 12 Scams of Christmas that consumers need to look out for are:
Sophisticated phishing emails
These emails are crafted with advanced techniques such as artificial intelligence, making them look almost identical to those from reputable brands. They often lure victims with fake alerts or offers, leading to sites that steal personal information. IT.ie advises everyone to verify the email’s authenticity and avoid clicking on links or attachments from unknown sources. If in doubt, don’t click.
Social media ad scams
Scammers use social media platforms to post ads for exclusive or hard-to-find items at very low prices. These ads often lead to fake websites where your payment information can be stolen. Always research the seller and look for reviews on independent platforms before making a purchase.
Bogus websites and URL spoofing
Cybercriminals create fake websites that mimic legitimate online retailers, often using URLs that contain subtle misspellings or alterations that can easily go unnoticed. These websites can lure unsuspecting victims by offering high-demand goods at unbelievably low prices. Shoppers should always double check the URL for the correct spelling of the website’s domain name and ensure that it starts with “HTTPS”. A lock symbol should be visible before the URL.
Untraceable payment methods
Scammers prefer payment methods that are difficult to trace and offer no fraud protection, such as cryptocurrencies, wire transfers, or gift cards. These methods make it almost impossible to recover lost funds. IT.ie recommends to always use secure and traceable payment methods such as credit and debit cards, or reputable money transfer services.
Mobile app frauds
Fraudulent mobile apps, often disguised as legitimate shopping apps, can steal personal information or infect your device with malware. These apps might appear in official app stores but often have few downloads and negative reviews. Always verify the app’s legitimacy and read reviews before downloading.
Delivery notification scams
These scams involve sending fake delivery notifications via email or text, which link to phishing websites designed to steal personal information. They often imply a sense of urgency, claiming a package is waiting. These scams are particularly successful at this time of year when people are expecting multiple deliveries. IT.ie recommends that shoppers always use the official tracking tools provided by the retailer and never click on links in unrelated email or text notifications.
Charity donation frauds
Scammers set up fake charities, particularly during the holiday season when people are more likely to make donations. They often solicit donations through persuasive emails or social media campaigns. Always research the charity using official charity regulator websites before donating.
Gift card grifts
Gift card scams involve selling discounted gift cards that are either fake or have been previously used. These offers are often found on unofficial websites or through social media ads. Always purchase gift cards directly from official retailers or authorised sellers.
Travel scams
With holiday travel in high demand, scammers can offer unrealistically cheap travel deals through fake websites or phishing emails. These scams may involve fake airline tickets, hotel bookings, or holiday packages. Holiday-goers should always book travel through reputable agents or directly with airlines and hotels.
Fake product reviews
Scammers will often post positive product reviews on substandard or non-existent products. These reviews create a false sense of trust and quality, making shoppers think that the product is legitimate. Shoppers should use well-known review platforms and be sceptical of overly-positive reviews for unknown brands or products.
E-card scams
E-card scams involve sending electronic greeting cards that contain malware or links to phishing sites. These e-cards may appear to be from known contacts, but are instead from scammers. Open e-cards only if you are expecting them and you can verify the sender’s identity.
Job offer scams
During the holiday season, fake job offers for seasonal positions are common. These scams often ask for personal information upfront or require payment for training or background checks. Legitimate employers will never ask for payment as part of the hiring process.
Eamon Gallagher, founder and MD, IT.ie, said: “This Christmas, we are telling everyone to emulate Scrooge’s cautious nature by guarding their personal and financial data against online fraud.
It is essential to approach holiday shopping and online interactions with a heightened sense of awareness. Take a moment to assess the legitimacy of an offer, whether it’s an amazing deal on a gift, a charity appeal, or a sudden job opportunity.
“Scammers prey on the urgency and emotion of the season, often creating scenarios that require immediate action or payment. It is important that everyone educates themselves and their loved ones about these scams as a crucial step in safeguarding their personal and financial information. Sharing this knowledge with friends and family, especially those who may be more vulnerable, can help to ensure scammers don’t get any early Christmas presents this year. Shop safe, shop secure and shop smart this Christmas!”
Want an easy to use and nice wreath for the holiday season Avoalre have just that for you which is now available to buy on Amazon, the company brings all kinds of seasonal lights for your home and have a huge selection for the Xmas period and look really great if your into decorating the house as many are and often the case we see neighbours try outdo each other every year, this has even trickled down to Halloween now and it looks nice but too much effort for my liking and I like to keep it simple.
All you need to go is three AA batteries and place them in the compartment on the back of the wreath, there you also find the control panel and set accordingly it is that simple. It is simple to mount and should be safe for the duration you leave it there for, again it is subjective to where people put these but overall they do look nice and give things that seasonal look. Check out more in the video review below as seeing is believing.
Features
【Christmas wreath with Lights】 Need a wreath to highlight your holiday celebration? Add a touch of Christmas sparkle to your holiday decoration this year with our beautiful 40cm artificial Christmas wreaths! Avoalre front door Christmas wreath has 40 LED lights. Compared with other Christmas decoration wreath, it can glow with beautiful and warm lights at night, which is more eye-catching and festive.
🔋【Battery Powered & Timer】– The Christmas wreath for front door is powered by 3*AA batteries, which is safer and more flexible to install than traditional plug lights. Say goodbye to messy cords and limited plug-in locations, it can be used anywhere! But that’s not all, the Christmas wreath also features a convenient timer function. Simply press the button on the battery box to activate the timer, and the wreath will cycle on for 6 hours and off for 18 hours.
👍【Unique and Ingenious Design】– As if the wreath itself wasn’t special enough, it also comes with a variety of decorative ornaments. Red, gold and green balls, glittering gold accents and lush PE artificial spruce, so it looks very full and creates a lively atmosphere. Especially as they amp up the sparkle of a Christmas wreath with lights, making a interesting addition to holiday decor.
✨【8 Flash Modes】– The light up Christmas wreath features 8 light modes: Combination, In Waves, Sequential, Slo-Glo, Chasing/Flash, Slow Fade, Twinkle/Flash, and Steady on. Be as imaginative as you can be! Complete your holiday scene with this beautiful wreath.
🎀【Easy to Install and Hang】– Our artificial Christmas wreath for front door is equipped with 2 insulated cable ties to help you hanging it. You can use cable ties to fix this light up christmas wreath where you want to decorate, which is convenient and time-saving. Suitable for hanging on the front door, living room, fireplace, cabinet, wall, window, shelf, side of the escalator, etc. The recommended hanging height is 1.8M/6FT.
🎄【Excellent Holiday Decoration】– Avoalre Christmas wreath with lights is very suitable for Christmas, parties, festivals, families, weddings, shopping malls, banquets, etc. It is an ideal decoration for indoor and outdoor. The 16-inch diameter is so suitable that it can harmoniously fit the space your decorating and the look you’ re going for. The Christmas door wreath is also a surprising gift for relatives and friends, which can offer a colorful, confident greeting to guests and family alike.
GAME the UK’s largest entertainment retailer, announced today a slice of festive fun for all gamers, with Christmas Quest, a free to play web game that’s guaranteed to spread Holiday cheer, and bag some lucky gamers a Santa’s sack full of GAME Reward points!
From December 1st, through to December 24th, gamers can head to christmasquest.co.uk, where they will need to practise a little Elf care as they work to help Santa’s helper navigate an isometric world full of enchantment, snow, and an overload of festive cheer!
Reindeers, polar bears, and beavers (Christmas beavers mind) will stand before you, as you work against the clock to collect as many gifts as you can, avoiding the holes in the ice and the penguins (Christmas penguins mind), racking up those points in the hope of making your way onto the daily leader board. Secure 500 points or more to be submitted to the leader board, or even set up your own leader board to challenge your friends and family! Each day, the leader board will refresh, Santa checks who’s naughty or nice, and the top ten winners will each be awarded with £10 in GAME Reward points! It’s the gift that keeps on giving, as you battle to see how many times you can make it into the top ten.
If you’re not already a GAME Reward customer, then it’s easy to sign up for free at: https://www.game.co.uk/reward/ so, don’t wait for Santa to dole out the gifts, get yourself in the Christmas spirit and start playing from December 1st!
Commenting on Christmas Quest, Nick Arran, Managing Director for GAME said, “Not content with offering some of the best gaming, toy and collectible exclusives this Holiday season, we’re beside oursElves with joy by offering a fun, festive, freebie and one which can earn gamers an early present in the run up to the big day! Christmas Quest is designed to put a smile on your face and maybe even GAME Reward points in your account, so we look forward to seeing some serious high scores in the month ahead,”
Proven to support older adults with their mental health, combat loneliness and support those living with dementia, Joy for All Companion pets are the perfect gift for aging loved ones. Designed to look, sound and feel like real pets, but without the responsibility that comes along with pet ownership, the robotic animals provide meaningful experiences for those looking for companionship.
The latest addition to the Joy for All family is the Walker Squawker, designed to sit atop a loved one’s walking frame to help encourage older adults to be more active.
The latest addition to the Joy for All family, this companion pet was designed to perch playfully atop of walking devices, Walker Squawker birds aim to bring joy to every step! The bird will sense motion and sing along happily as they ”unlock” six songs. When the Walker Squawker detects that walking has stopped, it will playfully sing a “don’t forget me” song to remind its owner of its presence. Built-in sensors allow Walker Squawkers to detect light, sound, touch, and movement – making this a truly interactive companion!
The Companion Pet Cat looks, feels and sounds like a real cat – but is so much more than soft fur, soothing purrs and pleasant meows. This beautiful cat responds to petting, hugging and motion much like the cats you know and love, plus purring technology further enhances the life-like qualities. The Companion Pet Cat is available in three colors: silver and creamy white, orange tabby, and black and white tuxedo. Batteries included.
The Freckled Pup has a freckled muzzle, soft, thick, life-like brown and white coat, and loveable floppy ears. With revolutionary BARKBACK technology and touch-responsive movements give the Freckled Pup an authentic feel of a real-life puppy companion, recreating some of the more delightful moments of owning a dog! Soft, pettable fur inspired by real dog breeds, cutting-edge built-in sensors, and “heartbeat” give our companion pet pup lifelike responses to motion and calming touches such as petting and hugging. The Companion Pet Dog is available in two colors: freckled and golden pup. Batteries included.
House of Marley is an eco-conscious audio brand created in collaboration with Bob Marley’s family, taking the guilt out of tech purchases. The brand has some great options for music-loving loved ones, and are great for those looking to be more sustainable in their gifting this year! House of Marley crafts its products from mindfully sourced materials, including FSC certified wood, recyclable aluminium and the brand’s signature REWIND™ fabric.
Crafted from bamboo and recycled plastics, these eco-friendly earbuds offer 6 hours of playtime, and up to 24 hours of listening with 3 additional charges with intuitive touch controls making music management swift and simple.
A replaceable Audio-Technica 95E elliptical stylus and aluminium headshell, the Stir it Up Lux elevates your experience by way of improved sound quality and tracking ability.
Experience convenience and uninterrupted listening pleasure with the Positive Vibration Frequency On-Ear Headphones. Offering a 34-hour playtime, these headphones enable you to enjoy your listening without needing to repeatedly recharge. In a hurry? Top up the battery with a 15-minute charge for 4 hours of music.
Offering smooth acoustics and an impressive bass output, the latest addition to Marley’s line-up promises 15 hours of playtime – so you can enjoy your go-to playlists wherever you are. Featuring quick-charge technology, three EQ modes and a multipair setting, the Get Together 2 Mini speaker seamlessly connects to the entire Get Together 2 range for even bigger stereo sound. Built to withstand the elements, the Get Together 2 Mini speaker is water and dust-resistant, while upholding the classic bamboo accents House of Marley is known for.
This Black Friday, Vodafone Ireland is giving customers a €100 trade in boost towards the value of a new phone when you trade in an older mobile device. Black Friday trade-in offers are available in store and online* and the value of the traded device can be greater or less than the new handset price.
Unmissable offers this Christmas
Kickstart your Christmas shopping early by taking advantage of the incredible offers from Vodafone Ireland. Available from 1st November, unmissable discounts across devices and accessories will help you find the perfect gift at even better prices.
Ahead of Black Friday, New bill pay customers can avail of up to €250 off selected handsets when they switch to a RED Unlimited or RED Unlimited Max plan, and €150 off handsets when switching to RED Lite. Pay as you go customers who switch to Vodafone Data unlimited 5G will also receive €20 free credit and will also get up to €150 off top 5G phones! They’ll also get €50 off all phones over €99.99.
Products are available in select Vodafone stores nationwide as well as online at www.vodafone.ie.
Pay as You Go Handsets:
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Pro 5G
The Xiaomi Redmi 12 Pro 5G has a flagship IMX766 camera with OIS which allows more light to be captured, bringing extensive quality improvements so your pictures stand out, no matter if it’s day or night. It has 67W turbo charging and a 120Hz AMOLED display which combines increased brightness and a greater range of colours and higher contrast for a vivid viewing experience. Dolby Vision® with HDR10+ brings you unbeatable picture quality and dual speakers so you can enjoy theatre-level viewing in the palm of your hand anywhere, anytime.
Offer: Get €150 off the Xiaomi Redmi 12 Pro 5G when you switch to Vodafone Pay as you go and receive free GWP Redmi Buds 4 (white) (1st November 2023 – 05 January 2024)
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G
Offer: Get €150 off the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G when you switch to Vodafone Pay as you go (1st November 2023 – 05 January 2024)
The Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G has powerful Snapdragon® performance with a large 90Hz FHD+ display and 50MP Al dual camera. Its minimalist design and 6.79” FHD+ DotDisplay screen are perfect for streaming content, and its 5000 mAh battery is long-lasting.
Samsung A14 5G
Offer: Get up to €150 off when you switch to Vodafone Pay as you go (1st November – 5th January 2024) (€100 off A14 5G)
Awesome screen, awesome camera and awesome battery. The Galaxy A14 5G comes equipped with a large, vivid Full HD+ display to level up your viewing experience. Upgrade your photos with a 50MP rear lens camera and take your selfies to the next level with an upgraded 13 MP front camera. Teamed with a 5,000mAh battery to last you two days, the Galaxy A14 5G makes your everyday mobile experiences more special.
All Pay as you go Customers:
Pay as you Go customers can avail of €50 off any phone over €99.99 between the 1st of November 2023 and 5th of January 2024, as well as €20 free credit when they switch to Vodafone Data unlimited 5G (15th November – 5th January 2024).
Bill Pay Handsets:
iPhone 15 (pink)
Offer: Save €250 when you switch to RED Unlimited, which makes the phone just €99.99 for new customers (1st November 2023 – 05 January 2024)
The iPhone 15 is powered by an A16 Bionic chip, with a 48MP main camera for super high-resolution photos and next generation photos. More detail and richer colour make dramatic difference in your portrait photos, with the ability to tap to shift focus between subjects, even after you take the shot. Its all-day battery life gives you up to 20 hours video playback.
Galaxy S23 (green)
Offer: Save €250 when you switch to RED Unlimited, which makes the phone free for new customers (1st November 2023 – 05 January 2024)
Get ready to be nominated ‘group’ photographer amongst your friends. With the power of a Pro-Grade Camera, the Galaxy S23 comes packed with a 50MP, plus AI-powered Nightography, for bright and sharp photos, day or night. Powered by the latest generation of Qualcomm Snapdragon® Gen 2 Processor, the Galaxy S23 will take your multitasking, gaming and photography to the next level. And a worry-free battery to power you through.
Galaxy S21 FE
Offer: Save €250 when you switch to RED Lite, which makes the phone free for new customers (1st November 2023 – 05 January 2024)
The new Fan Edition: made to turn heads. When it comes to making every single day count, you need the right kit. Meet Samsung Galaxy S21 FE – built for the bold. With a 32MP front-facing camera, Portrait Mode, Night Mode, and Director’s View, supercharging your socials with selfies and stories has never been easier – or looked so good. A powerful processor means you can enjoy super smooth scrolling, all day long. And a massive AI-powered battery, Galaxy S21 FE will keep going hour after hour on just one charge. Get ready to do even more.
All Bill pay Customers:
Bill pay customers can avail of €200 off all handsets (outside of the hero handsets) when they switch to RED Unlimited or RED Unlimited Max ((1st November 2023 – 05 January 2024), and €150 off all handsets when you switch to RED Lite ((1st November 2023 – 05 January 2024).
*Offer available in store and online. In store customers can trade in any smartphone that meets the trade in criteria. Online customers must trade in an eligible handset. Full list can be found at Vodafone.ie/terms
