Tag: free

100 Fingal Households Receive Free Renewable Hot Water Through EnergyCloud With AWS and Co-operative Housing

EnergyCloud has confirmed that the first 100 households in Fingal are now benefiting from free hot water powered by surplus wind energy, following the official launch of the project by the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD. The initiative is delivered in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Co-operative Housing Ireland.

The milestone marks a significant step in tackling energy poverty locally, with participating households expected to receive up to 120 nights of free hot water each year.

Families in Tyrrelstown, Dublin 15, have had EnergyCloud-enabled smart devices installed in their homes. The technology safely redirects excess electricity that would otherwise go unused to heat household immersion tanks during periods when energy supply exceeds demand.

The Fingal rollout represents one of the largest community-based surplus renewable energy initiatives currently operating in Ireland.

Siobhán Kelly, a Co-operative Housing Ireland member tenant, said:

“I used to worry every time I turned on the immersion, wondering how much it was adding to the electricity bill. With two kids in school, every bit counts. Now we often wake up to hot water waiting in the tank — it’s made a real difference for us.”

All households benefiting from the initiative are Co-operative Housing Ireland member tenants.

David McCourt, Director of Asset Management & Property Services at Co-operative Housing Ireland, said:

“All participating households are Co-operative Housing Ireland member tenants, ensuring the benefits of Ireland’s renewable transition are reaching those most vulnerable to energy poverty. We are proud to partner with EnergyCloud and AWS on this innovative initiative, which delivers practical and immediate benefits for our member tenants.

“At Co-operative Housing Ireland, we are committed to sustainable, people-centred solutions. This partnership represents a meaningful step in tackling energy poverty by ensuring the benefits of renewable energy reach those who need them most.”

Niamh Gallagher, Country Lead for Ireland at AWS, said: 

“This collaboration with EnergyCloud highlights our continued commitment to the local communities where we operate. The EnergyCloud device is prompting new conversations at local and national levels about how best to use Ireland’s excess renewable energy and maximise social impact in the process.” 

Alan Wyley, CEO of EnergyCloud Ireland, said:

“When we launched this AWS-funded project in Fingal, our ambition was clear – to support families experiencing energy poverty while ensuring surplus wind energy is put to good use.

“We are grateful to AWS and participating electricity retailers for their support. The project is expected to benefit more than 500 households over time, delivering free hot water on nights when there is surplus wind energy. 

“We look forward to further expansion within Fingal and beyond in partnership with Co-operative Housing Ireland.”

Installations will continue throughout 2026.

Microsoft achieves 100% renewable energy match for global electricity use

Microsoft today announced it has achieved a key sustainability milestone: matching 100% of its annual global electricity consumption with renewable energy as of 2025.

The milestone marks significant progress in Microsoft’s 2020 commitment to become carbon negative by 2030 and reflects more than a decade of investment in renewable energy infrastructure worldwide.

Since announcing its carbon negative ambition, Microsoft has contracted 40 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable energy capacity across 26 countries, working with more than 95 utilities and energy developers through 400+ contracts.

This milestone positions Microsoft among the largest corporate purchasers of renewable energy globally and reinforces the company’s leadership in driving market investment in carbon-free energy systems. According to Microsoft Ireland’s most recent economic and social impact report, the company has made an investment in 1GW of renewable energy capacity in Ireland.

“In 2020, Microsoft announced a moonshot commitment to become carbon negative by 2030, accelerating work across our company to advance the partnerships and technologies needed to advance sustainability for our businesses, our customers and the world,” said Microsoft’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Melanie Nakagawa and President of Cloud Operations + Innovation at Microsoft, Noelle Walsh. “A key milestone on this journey was our aim to match 100% of our annual global electricity consumption with renewable energy by 2025. Today, we are pleased to share that Microsoft has achieved this milestone. This progress helps drive investment into the power systems where we operate, expand clean energy supply and advance broader energy innovation.”

Driving global clean energy investment

Microsoft’s renewable energy journey began in 2013 with a single 110 MW power purchase agreement in Texas. Since then, its portfolio has expanded into one of the world’s largest corporate clean energy programmes, with partnerships with over 95 global energy suppliers.

The company has also pioneered innovative procurement models, helping scale repeatable and bankable clean energy frameworks across multiple markets, including first-of-their-kind corporate Power Purchase Agreement (PPAs) in Japan and hybrid renewable agreements in India.

Supporting communities and infrastructure

Microsoft’s renewable energy agreements have mobilised billions of dollars in private investment, supported thousands of jobs and embedded community-focused benefits including workforce training, local grants and infrastructure development. The company continues to work closely with energy developers and community partners to ensure clean energy projects deliver local economic and social value alongside environmental benefits.

Looking ahead: expanding carbon-free energy technologies

As global electricity demand accelerates – driven by electrification, AI and digital infrastructure – Microsoft says achieving 100% renewable energy matching is a milestone, not the endpoint.

Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund has allocated $806 million to 67 climate-focused investees, with 38% directed toward energy systems innovation.

The company is also deploying AI-driven tools to accelerate power system design, permitting and grid optimisation.

How can you choose the best slot games to play on?

Playing slot games is insanely fun, and it can bring a whole lot of unique elements. With that being said, there are tons of slot titles out there that you can play on websites like christchurchcasino.com. So it makes sense to figure out what criteria you can use in order to find the best slot games that you can play at. Here are some tips.

Understand volatility 

It matters because affects how you win. Some slot games have low volatility, which means you get more frequent, smaller wins, and that can be good for a longer session. Then, there are high volatility games that have bigger wins, but those are less often. And of course, medium volatility is a balanced option. Try to find the right option based on your existing risk tolerance and bankroll.

What’s the return to player?

Each slot game has a return to player. The RTP basically shows how much a slot will pay back over time. The normal return to player is around 92% to 98% in most casinos. For the best results, you want a game that promises a 96% RTP or higher. That means for every $100 you spend, you are guaranteed to get at least $96 back. 

Free spins and bonuses

Another criteria that you can use when choosing a slot game would be any bonuses or free spins that you can receive. You might get free spins with multipliers, expanding symbols and wilds, respins, buy-bonus options and so on. Slots that have great bonuses will bring you back in the long run. And it’s always up to you to make the right pick. 

Assess the jackpots

Jackpots are another thing that you need to think of. Progressive jackpots tend to have a large value, but their base RTP is usually lower. There are fixed jackpots or slots that are bonus-heavy which tend to deliver a much better value. It comes down to either focusing on a consistent play time or if you want a very low chance at an extremely big payout. The chance is certainly there, but it widely depends on the game and jackpot.

Set a budget

You always want to play with a budget in mind. That’s because it can be very easy to get past your limits when you play, so you really need to be very careful. If you have a small bankroll to work with, go for the low bet sizes and low volatility games. A larger bankroll might be suitable for high volatility slots. Check the minimum and also the maximum bets where possible. And a good rule of thumb is to never play a slot game which forces you to bet over the comfort level. That clearly shows it’s not the game for you.

Play for free where possible

There are some games that offer a few free spins before you start paying. Or you try out that game online first to see how it is. The idea is to learn the limits, understand volatility, as you avoid jumping randomly in a game. A lot of casinos these days are offering demos, so it is a great idea to check that out, as it can be a pretty good solution in the end.

Always stick only with reputable providers

It might seem obvious, but you do want to go for games created by well-known developers. That list includes NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n Go, Pragmatic Play, Nolimit City and so on. These are great in their own right, and they tend to be more transparent, not to mention fairer when compared to others.

Select a theme you like

These days, it makes sense to choose a theme that you enjoy. The truth is that you can find a plethora of themes, ranging from pirates to witches, piggies, buffalos and so on. select a theme that you like, but also a game whose graphics and sound are something you like. At the same time, assess the pace of play. It will help make things a whole lot better, while bringing in a more innovative and fun experience. And the best part is that with so many themes out there you won’t have a problem finding one you will like quite a bit.

Conclusion

Selecting a good slot game always comes down to a multitude of things. Not only do you want to know the return to player rate, but also the volatility of the game, the theme that it has, and if you like the bet size. On top of that, you should consider the bonus features, and what’s the largest bet if you can afford. The more you know about a lot game, the easier it will be to figure out which is the best one. And that’s why we highly recommend taking that into consideration when choosing new slots.

Ørsted and EnergyCloud turn excess green energy into free hot water for Kerry residents

Leading renewable energy company Ørsted today announced a partnership with the charity EnergyCloud to provide up to 100 homes in Kerry with free hot water through surplus renewable energy from its wind farms in Kilgarvan.

Through Ørsted’s community benefit fund, EnergyCloud, working in partnership with Kerry County Council, will provide free hot water to the homes that are geographically nearest to Ørsted’s wind farms, dependent on tenant sign-up.  EnergyCloud will heat the home’s water tank during times of energy curtailment through smart immersion technology, with homes under Kerry County Council’s stock eligible for the scheme. Ørsted will provide approximately €500 per home to the initiative.

TJ Hunter, Vice President Onshore, Ireland and the UK said: “Our community benefit is all about supporting local communities for the long term. Partnering with EnergyCloud is a great example of how we can make that happen. By using surplus renewable energy, we’re helping households in need. It’s proof that renewable energy can do more than just power homes, it supports communities.”

Alan Wyley, CEO of EnergyCloud Ireland said: “We’re delighted to partner with Ørsted Onshore Ireland and Kerry County Council on this trial that will make a real difference to people’s lives. This is a simple but effective way to provide an essential service like hot water, while making better use of Ireland’s renewable resources. We hope this initiative will drive others to do similar projects”.

The initiative supplies homes with smart immersion controllers, enabling free overnight hot water heating during periods of surplus renewable energy. This will be EnergyCloud’s first project in county Kerry and builds on its existing collaborations with local authorities and approved housing bodies in counties including Offaly, Cork, Galway, and Limerick.

Ørsted has three operational wind farms in the Kilgarvan area – Kilgarvan, Sillahertane, and Inchincoosh – which have a combined generating capacity of 86 MW of green electricity across 38 turbines, enough to power more than 53,000 homes annually.

Having already operated in the area since 2007, Ørsted has also started the Kilgarvan Repower project, which will replace 28 turbines, totalling 77.5 MW, with up to 11 more modern machines. These existing wind farms, located northeast of Kilgarvan village, have been operational since 2007 and 2009.

This year, €86,000 has been made available for Kerry communities in through Ørsted’s Community Benefit Fund. Community groups and initiatives such as, Kilgarvan Central School and Kilgarvan GAA Club have previously received funding from this initiative.

E-Clean System Installed at the Guinness Storehouse

Euro Refrigeration Limited, part of the ERG Group, has unveiled its pioneering E-Clean chemical-free glass washing system with a high-profile installation at the Guinness Storehouse and the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in St. James’s Gate, Dublin.

The project began with a full trial of the system at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, where it was extensively tested in a live brewing and hospitality environment. Following the success of this trial, the system was rolled out across all glasswashers in the Guinness Storehouse, Ireland’s number one visitor attraction with more than 1.7 million visitors annually. This ensures every guest experiences a perfect pint served in perfectly prepared glassware.

The E-Clean system, distributed exclusively in Ireland by Euro Refrigeration, allows glassware to be cleaned without detergent or rinse aid. The result is a brilliant shine, enhanced presentation, and superior lacing – all essential to delivering the “perfect pint.”

Developed with the hospitality industry front of mind, the system delivers both sustainability and performance, helping pubs, hotels, restaurants, and clubs to improve customer experience while reducing environmental impact. It also extends the life of glassware, prevents common issues such as streaks, lines, or chemical residues, and keeps machines scale-free.

“E-Clean is not simply an innovation – it is a redefinition of how we approach glass care in hospitality. We are proud to deliver a smarter, greener, and more efficient solution that aligns with the industry’s growing focus on sustainability,” said Peter Wynne, Director, Euro Refrigeration Limited. “We are delighted that, following its successful trial at the Open Gate Brewery, the Guinness Storehouse has adopted E-Clean as its glass-cleaning system of choice.”

At the heart of the system is advanced filtration and reverse osmosis technology, produced in partnership with Aquaphor, a global leader in water treatment innovation. Through ERG’s exclusive distribution in Ireland, this world-leading technology is now available to hospitality venues as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional glass washing methods.

The official launch took place at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Dublin and was attended by leading members of the licensed trade, representatives from Diageo, and the ERG Group.

Surprisingly Useful Apps That Are Completely Free to Use

In today’s app stores, it’s easy to assume that anything genuinely useful will come with a price tag. Many apps start free but quickly introduce limits, paywalls, or subscription models once you’ve settled in. However, several apps are still available that offer impressive features and real value, completely free of charge.

From outdoor adventures and everyday organisation to entertainment and learning, some apps match their paid counterparts and often outperform them regarding accessibility and ease of use. These aren’t just tools with basic functionality—they’re well-rounded platforms that serve a clear purpose without asking for your card details.

Free Entertainment with a Different Approach

Digital games often come with the expectation of in-app purchases or subscriptions, but sweepstakes-based gaming apps offer an alternative. These platforms feature casino-style games like slots and blackjack with all the fun, but use virtual currencies instead of real money. 

They’re legal in many areas where traditional online casinos aren’t and don’t require players to deposit funds. New Sweep Casinos offer a good example of how some free apps are able to deliver premium-style entertainment without upfront costs or commitments—ideal for casual, no-risk gameplay.

Exploring the Outdoors with AllTrails

Apps that encourage time away from screens are equally making their mark. AllTrails is a well-known platform for walking, hiking, and cycling, providing a vast catalogue of trails with map data, difficulty ratings, and user reviews. 

The free version grants access to most of these features, making it a popular choice for anyone exploring nature locally or while travelling. While an optional paid upgrade exists, the free version is fully functional for everyday use and ideal for casual users. Safety and security remain a concern, however, especially concerning tracking and sharing location information so users are encouraged to be cautious when using such apps. 

Borrowing Books Digitally Through Libby

Libby is another excellent example of a service that gives users access to something valuable without cost. It links with your local library account and lets you borrow ebooks and audiobooks digitally. Rather than paying per book or subscribing to a content service, users browse and borrow as they would with a physical library. It’s a seamless way to enjoy books from your phone or tablet, whether commuting, travelling, or relaxing at home.

Design Tools Without the Price Tag

In graphic design, Canva has become a go-to for non-designers looking to create polished visuals. From social media posts and event flyers to CVs and presentations, Canvas’s free version includes a wide selection of templates, fonts, and images. It’s easy to use and requires no previous design experience. While some additional features are available to pro users, most people find the free version more than adequate for everyday projects.

Learning and Discovery with PlantNet

For those interested in the natural world, PlantNet is an app that lets users identify plants by simply taking a photo. The app analyses the image and offers possible matches, drawing on an extensive, community-supported database. It’s used by hobbyists, students, and casual explorers alike, and the entire identification process is available without charge. 

Apps like this are part of a broader trend in tech-driven nature tools, which have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. These platforms are helping people reconnect with the outdoors and foster a more profound curiosity about biodiversity. PlantNet stands out as a simple yet powerful example of technology applied practically and educationally.

Free Language Learning Through Duolingo

Language learning apps often fall under the paid model, but Duolingo is an exception that continues to grow. It offers lessons in more than 30 languages and structures them in a way that encourages daily practice. The gamified format appeals to a broad audience, and while there is an ad-free version for paying users, the whole learning path is free. Duolingo is a strong option for those looking to learn a new language without investing in expensive courses.

Medication Management at No Cost

Healthcare-related apps are also providing practical benefits for free. In the UK, services like Echo allow users to order prescriptions, track deliveries, and set medication reminders. This is particularly useful for people managing long-term prescriptions, and the ability to organise everything through a smartphone app adds absolute convenience. The service is free and contributes to improved medication management without extra fees.

Reducing Food Waste While Saving

Too Good To Go has also gained popularity for its role in fighting food waste. The app connects users with nearby cafés, restaurants, and bakeries offering surplus food at reduced prices. While there is a small fee for purchasing the food, the app itself is free and serves a broader social purpose by helping prevent edible food from going to waste.

Smarter Transport Information

For public transport users, Moovit offers real-time updates and journey-planning tools that are often more accurate than generic map apps. Covering bus, train, and tram services worldwide in many towns and cities, Moovit provides information on delays, alternative routes, and estimated arrival times. Moovit is entirely free and supports more reliable travel planning, particularly in areas with frequent service changes.

From fitness and productivity to entertainment and education, these tools demonstrate that high-quality digital services don’t always come with a cost. For those willing to explore, functional and free apps offering real benefits without requiring a monthly commitment are still possible.

 

Amazon launches Amazon.ie and comes with Prime

Amazon.ie has officially opened its virtual doors, offering customers in Ireland a wide selection of over 200 million products with low prices in Euro, and fast, convenient delivery and returns.

Customers will enjoy One-Day Delivery on millions of products, and can browse products with clear, local pricing and without additional customs charges. Irish businesses small and large will also soon be available on a dedicated Brands of Ireland page to help customers find their favourite Irish brands while helping local businesses achieve greater success.

Starting today, customers can also join Prime on Amazon.ie for just €6.99 per month and enjoy the very best of shopping, savings, and entertainment—including fast, free delivery; exclusive deals and shopping events like Prime Day; popular TV shows, movies, and live sports on Prime Video; free games on Prime Gaming; and exclusive offers from partners like Odeon cinemas and Deliveroo. Customers in Ireland who already have UK Prime memberships can easily switch, and will automatically have their UK Prime membership canceled and refunded. All customers, including those switching from a UK membership, can sign up for a 30-day free trial of Amazon.ie Prime.

“Our teams across the country are unbelievably proud and incredibly excited to launch Amazon.ie,” said Alison Dunn, Ireland country manager at Amazon. “The store brings a wide selection of great value products with fast delivery to customers in Ireland, a local Prime membership with incredible benefits and savings, and lots of opportunities for Irish businesses to reach more customers. We have been building towards this moment since the launch of our fulfilment centre in Dublin in 2022, and we can’t wait to write the next chapter of our story in Ireland.”

“This expansion by Amazon will give consumers more choice and better value, as well as help small, medium, and large businesses across the country promote their own Irish and international products,” said Micheál Martin, Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland. “By using Amazon, people know that they will get a well-trusted, great service. It’s good news for all.” Peter Burke, Ireland’s minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment, also welcomed the news, calling it a signal of Amazon’s “continued commitment to Ireland.”

The launch is also being celebrated by Irish cultural icons like Westlife’s Nicky Byrne, footballing legend Shay Given, and media personality Vogue Williams, who have been making a series of special Amazon.ie deliveries to fans, including signed records and footballs.

Introducing Amazon Prime for Amazon.ie

There are more than 200 million paid Prime members around the world. While many Irish customers already use Prime on Amazon.co.uk, today sees the launch of a new local Prime membership on Amazon.ie. It costs just €6.99 per month or €69.90 annually, and offers vast benefits including:

  • Fast and free delivery: Enjoy One-Day Delivery on millions of eligible products.
  • Exclusive deals: Shop popular brands, as well as deals events like Prime Day.
  • Prime Video: Watch hit movies and TV shows, award-winning Amazon Originals such as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and The Boys, and live sports like UEFA Champions League.
  • Prime Gaming: Check out in-game content and free games to download every month, as well as a free channel subscription on Twitch.
  • Amazon Photos: Enjoy unlimited full-resolution photo storage and 5GB video storage.
  • Exclusive offers: Get great savings with partner offers, including one year of free restaurant delivery with Deliveroo Plus Silver, and discounted tickets at Odeon cinemas.

 

‘Brands of Ireland’ page makes it even easier to shop your favourite Irish brands

Amazon is launching the Brands of Ireland page in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government’s enterprise development agency. Irish brands available at launch include Barry’s Tea, Bewley’s, and independent fitness brand Swifter.

“The launch of Amazon.ie is great news for Irish businesses and consumers,” said James Madden, co-founder of Swifter. “For Swifter, it means we are able to reach more local customers and grow in our home market.”

Amazon in Ireland

Amazon already has a rich history in Ireland, and employs around 6,500 people in Cork, Dublin, and Drogheda in a diverse range of roles, from data engineering to operations management to finance. Since 2004, Amazon has made direct investments in our Ireland operations of more than €22 billion, and opened six sites across the country. In 2023, Irish small businesses selling on Amazon recorded over €170 million in export sales, with over half of those outside the EU. They’ve also gone on to create more than 2,500 jobs in Ireland to support their businesses on Amazon. Amazon has also supported thousands of authors in Ireland to self-publish via Kindle Direct Publishing. The Amazon Literary Partnership has given annual grants to nonprofit literary organizations across Ireland since 2019, and last year Amazon released LOL: Last One Laughing Ireland— its first Irish Originals production, which was filmed entirely in Ireland and is available on Prime Video.

Sustainable packaging for products purchased on Amazon.ie

Since 2015, Amazon has reduced the weight of outbound packaging per shipment by more than 43% and eliminated more than 3 million tons of packaging material. To significantly decrease the use of plastics in its packaging, Amazon.ie only uses recyclable paper bags and cardboard envelopes for orders shipped from Amazon’s fulfilment centres, and has also replaced protective air pillows with 100% recycled and 100% recyclable paper filling. This includes items sold by Amazon and third-party selling partners that use Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA). Amazon is also increasing the number of products it sells that can be shipped in original packaging provided by the manufacturer, with only an address label added.

Amazon.ie is available on desktop and mobile browsers, as well the Amazon mobile shopping app. All customers will also enjoy free delivery on their first order when delivered by Amazon, whether a Prime member or not. For more information, go to amazon.ie. Sign up for a 30-day free Prime trial at Amazon.ie/prime.

How to Find Free (or Cheap) Games

From fight game franchises to fun, stress-free arcade games, there are plenty of genres to explore. However, you know as well as anyone else how pricey games have become recently. What’s more, many of these games aren’t even finished and require DLC or further add-ons to enjoy the full experience. 

Even passionate gamers understand this pricing is unsustainable and are more careful about their gaming purchases. Still, they need to scratch that itch in some way, so what about knowing how to find free (or at least cheap) games? 

Use Game Launchers

From Stream to Epic and beyond, you cannot play many of the latest titles without game launchers. Because of this, it seems like there’s no better place to start when looking for cheap or free games. 

The good news is that you can find just about anything on these platforms, while search and filter features help you whittle down your options to much more affordable games, especially if you’re looking for a few options. Some of the most popular games of the past ten years have been free, too, so you can start there. 

And you never know, you might come across a game you’ve always heard of but never purchased and there it is, sitting on the list for pennies. It would be rude not to buy it, in that case. 

Look for the Classics 

If you’ve exhausted your launchers, there’s always room for the classics and you can find an array of free-to-play games on various websites across the web. 

These options include the likes of Solitaire or Backgammon, where you can play against the computer, a friend, or a stranger who is unusually passionate about Backgammon. 

Besides these online options, your computer likely has a host of games built into the system, so check that out if you’re looking for something simple and even comforting as it reminds you of days gone by when you spent your computer lessons at school doing anything but work. 

Pick Up Gaming Packs 

Nostalgia always sells, and with the nineties definitely back in, especially in terms of fashion, you can also find gaming bundles that tap into this nostalgia. Go into any electronics shop and you might see the familiar sight of a PlayStation complete with a variety of games you remember playing back in the day. 

These packs feature all the games on a single hard drive, so you can access them whenever you like. While the entire bundle isn’t cheap, it works out to be much more affordable per game, and you’ll only be spending a couple of Euros per title. Besides this, you can’t put a price on nostalgia, anyway. 

Set Up Gaming Alerts 

You may have spent your life hearing about Steam sales or other deals that your friends take advantage of, yet you always seem to miss out on these deals. It happens. Life gets in the way or you are trying to cut back on your spending. 

However, you can keep abreast of possible deals and discounts by setting up gaming alerts. Learning to set up Google alerts and inputting keywords like Steam, sale, discounts, or even free means you can be one of the first people to take advantage of the sales and finally get your hands on titles that have eluded you for so long. 

Try Something New 

You don’t always need to search for the most in-demand titles. Instead, looking for something new is a great way to discover amazing titles that you’d never come across otherwise. 

Every online gaming store has a selection of free or cheap titles for you to try. If you like the look of any game, just buy it. The low cost means you won’t feel you’ve wasted your money, and you can support indie developers by purchasing their games. If you enjoy it, tell your friends to download it too.

Go to Online Marketplaces 

Online marketplaces have proven to be an amazing way to connect gamers with their white whales. These are the games they played a little back in the day but never completed or they get sidetracked along the way. 

While you will always come across people charging over the odds for a game, finding those legitimately selling video games, such as during a clearout or because they know they won’t play them anymore is an excellent chance to try the best games of all time. You can find individual games or gaming lots that include multiple titles so you’re guaranteed to get your money’s worth. 

Make the Most Of Sales 

Sales can seem like cheating, but it’s part of the beauty of online games. Along with your alerts, make a habit of checking out Steam’s special offers to find popular games for cheap. Besides the most common platforms, you can also explore discount stores which will provide you with a code to download the title. These are usually discounted compared to buying them outright from Amazon or other retailers. 

However, you need to be careful with such purchases. Although some are legitimate, others could be scams that steal your credit card information. Check reviews and avoid sites that look slightly off to protect yourself and your finances. 

Share With Friends 

Back in the day, you probably shared a lot of your games with friends. You might complete a title and lend it to them, and they’d do the same for you. Unfortunately, the era of digital downloads has taken this away, while some companies suggested locking titles to prevent them from being played on multiple consoles. 

This is why a game share system is so beneficial. Being able to share your favourite titles with friends and family means you don’t have to spend a penny to experience as many games as possible. The gaming companies may not like it, but gamers know this is all part of the culture. 

Gaming 

Every gamer is always looking for that next new game they will spend hours working through, but you don’t have to spend too much to find engrossing titles that remind you why you became a gamer. Many indie titles are waiting for you to uncover them, while classic titles may go on sale to make the investment worth it. However you find cheap or free games, you can scratch that itch. 

Skullcandy Launches EcoBuds: Revolutionary Sustainable Earbuds with Battery-Free Charging

Skullcandy announced today its newest EcoBuds True  Wireless Earbuds, the brand’s most sustainable product to date. The new, environmentally conscious earbuds are made with 65 percent certified recycled plastics, 57 percent less heavy  metals and boast a 50 percent lower carbon footprint than comparable products on the market for  a fraction of the cost, making sustainability accessible to all. EcoBuds is available now globally at  select retailers and on Skullcandy.co.uk for £29.99 MSRP. 

EcoBuds are thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind from the start. After conducting an  environmental impact analysis using third-party partner Ecochain, Skullcandy found lithium batteries  to be one of the worst carbon offenders for true wireless electronics. EcoBuds’ battery-free case  design, coupled with reduced virgin plastics, achieves a 1.35kg CO2eq total carbon footprint,  marking a 50% reduction from similar products. Meanwhile, the buds still offer eight hours of  battery life as well as a built-in USB-C cable, Rapid Charge and the ability to reverse charge from  your phone on-the-go–perfect for all-day use.

Designed for the eco-conscious consumer, EcoBuds’ small form factor and fewer, more sustainable  components make for the best eco-friendly offering on the market at a more accessible price point,  without compromising sound quality or performance. The open-case design limits plastic use, while  built-in magnets keep the buds secure in the case. The buds feature a minimal design featuring a  blue and white marble pattern paying tribute to the natural landscapes Skullcandy aims to protect. 

Tech specs tied to EcoBuds include:  

 

  • Up to 8 Hours of Battery Life + Rapid Charge – 10 minutes of charging gives you 2 hours of playtime • Charge From Your Phone with Integrated USB-C Charging Cable  
  • Premium Audio Quality with Microphone in Each Earbud 
  • Noise Isolating Fit  
  • Music, Bass Boost and Podcast EQ Modes 
  • Bluetooth® (v5.2)  
  • IPX4 Sweat and Water Resistance  
  • Auto On/Connect  
  • Call, Track & Volume Controls with Capacitive Touch  
  • Use Either Bud Solo  

Skullcandy’s VP of Marketing, Justin Regan, stated, “EcoBuds are a direct challenge to battery-anxiety assumptions, offering all-day battery life without wasteful overproduction and no compromise on sound quality.”

EcoBuds are now available at select retailers and Skullcandy.co.uk, inviting consumers to embrace sustainability without compromising on performance.

 

Price: £29.99 MSRP