Tag: Sports

Elevate your Apple watch with QDOS’ new bundles

QDOS’ new Apple watch bundles have launched, offering stylish accessories to enhance and protect Apple watches this summer, perfect for outdoor activities, sports and travel.

There are three new bundles –  two include a selection of strap solutions, the other bundle offers screen protection and wireless charging.

Apple Watch Strap Bundle – £49.99

               

Two bundles to choose from – pink or black, with a choice of three straps in each bundle that will seamlessly fit your lifestyle to suit whatever you’re doing:

  • The Ocean Strap – made from rippled silicone, it’s water-resistant and built for endurance. Its zinc alloy buckle ensures a secure, comfortable fit, whether you’re jogging on the beach or enjoying a morning swim
  • The Stainless-Steel Strap – exudes sophistication with its precision-adjustable mesh design, adding a touch of elegance to your look
  • The Premium Silicone Strap – offers an ultra-smooth feel and all-day comfort, perfect for unwinding with friends or enjoying a night out.

Apple Watch Essentials Pack – £34.99

 The Essentials Pack combines practicality and protection. The bundle is available for the Apple Watch Series 6/SE/5/4 – 40mm and the Apple Watch Series 6/SE/5/4 – 44mm. It includes:

  • Apple Watch charger – a foldable, ultra-compact charger with 2.5W wireless charging, secure magnetic connection and a 85 degree rotating nightstand for easy viewing
  • Apple Watch Infinity Glass Protector – a durable, edge-to-edge screen protector with 360 degree coverage, a precise snap-on fit and an oleophobic coating to resist fingerprints. Its smooth high-sensitivity touch ensures the watch is responsive while protected from scratches and impacts.

All QDOS Apple Watch bundles are available at www.qdossound.com.

See our QDOS reviews

First Look emporia WATCHjoy Smartwatch

The emporia WATCHjoy Smartwatch is their latest product to hit their portfolio of elder friendly devices and good to see them building a nice ecosystem of products

Not that this is just for those who are already entrenched in their ecosystem anyone can use this watch and can be used with both Android and iOS devices via FitCloudPro app which for me is a familiar simple to use app with no complicated menu structures to endure which is akin to their mobile phones we are also familiar with.

Presentation is nice here and again a simple one but making a statement at the same time, out of the box I like the design and build quality of the Smartwatch and it looks good to in both flavours on offer, for now we will be taking a quick first look and if you have any  questions over the next few weeks feel free to ask and come back for the full hands on review. Check out the unboxing below.

Features

  • Screen size: 1.43-inch AMOLED display
  • Screen resolution 466×466 pixels
  • Battery capacity: 380 mAh
  • Stand-by time: 30 days
  • Runtime: 5-10 days

Practical functions such as training recording, heart rate measurement, high heart rate warning, blood oxygen measurement, sleep monitoring, weather forecast, music control, stopwatch, timer and many more make this smartwatch the ideal everyday companion!

 

  • Chipset: Realtek8763EW-VP
  • Memory: Flash 128 MB
  • Sensors: HX3605
  • The watch strap is removable
  • Can be connected to Android and IOS
  • Companion app for the smartwatch, Infowear available in the Google Play Store and the App Store
  • Gesture control possible
  • Reminder to exercise if you don’t move enough
  • Multi-sport mode for all kinds of outdoor sports such as running, cycling, walking and many more
  • Mobile phone search function to find the misplaced mobile phone
  • Notification of phone calls and messages
  • Do not disturb mode available
  • Bluetooth 5.0

BUY

See our emporia reviews

Unboxing video

Redesigned Airbnb app now available for Summer 2025

Today, Airbnb unveiled its 2025 Summer Release, ushering in a brand new era of travel from the company that first introduced a way to book a home like a hotel in 2007.  With today’s launch, Airbnb is going beyond homes and introducing two offerings – Airbnb Services and completely reimagined Airbnb Experiences.

This is all powered by a new tech stack that allows hosts to offer homes, services, and experiences – and many more offerings in the years ahead. The new Airbnb app – now available to download – features a new design system with a beautifully animated interface that brings the world of Airbnb to life.

  • Built on a new tech stack–Over the past several years, Airbnb has rebuilt its technology stack, including overhauling and modernising the app experience. This new tech stack now allows hosts to introduce even more offerings in the years ahead.
  • A dimensional design system–Airbnb created a design system with a dimensional and beautifully animated interface – including with new 3D iconography – that brings the world of Airbnb to life, so planning your trip feels effortless and delightful.
  • The app that travels with you–From the moment you book your home, the app suggests services and experiences we think you’ll love – and when you arrive at your destination, the app welcomes you with a detailed itinerary, with recommendations for experiences happening nearby throughout your stay.
  • Explore homes, services and experiences–Users logging into Airbnb starting today will now find an entirely new homepage, where you can discover homes in popular destinations, experiences that fit your schedule, and services around the world.

 

Airbnb Experiences

One of the top reasons people book an Airbnb is because they can live like a local. But it’s hard to find the best things to do when you’re somewhere new. Too often, you end up in a big group, following a tour guide with a megaphone, doing activities that feel like you’re ticking a box. What if there was a more authentic way to experience a city?

Today, we’re introducing completely reimagined Airbnb Experiences – hosted by locals who know their city best. We’re launching experiences in over 650 cities around the world and adding more every day. Uncover the best parts of a city with experiences like:

Reimagined nearly every part of the app, including:

  • Explore tab –  An all-new homepage to discover homes in popular destinations, experiences that fit your schedule, and services around the world.
  • Trips tab – An advanced travel itinerary with a schedule of your trip, details about your home, and the services and experiences you’ve booked.
  • Messages – A revamped messaging platform with photo and video sharing and integrated payments for customising services.
  • Profile – A redesigned Airbnb profile lets you share where you’ve travelled on Airbnb and see the people you’ve met along the way. Airbnb profiles also highlight the over 200 million guests and hosts worldwide who have completed our identity verification process.

Rebuilt the app for hosts to include everything they need to manage their home, service or experience:

  • Airbnb Setup – A simplified listing creation tool makes it easy for hosts to submit a service or experience to Airbnb.
  • Today tab – An all-new reservations management tab makes it easy to see details about upcoming reservations to help hosts provide exceptional hospitality.
  • Calendar – A redesigned calendar for homes, features a new daily view  with an hour-by-hour schedule and real-time integration with Google Calendar.
  • Listings tab – New listing management tools for services and experiences make it easy for hosts to adjust every aspect of their listing, from location to pricing.

TOZO PA2 Bluetooth Portable Sports Speaker Review

The TOZO PA2 Bluetooth Portable Sports Speaker is their latest on offer and if anything is to go by with their last model the PA1 this one we looked forward to testing out and it did not disappoint at all it has to be said.

With a design that has changed from the PA1 we checkout before I think this one is better and the colour we reviewed more so and it stands out and looks great.

With the array of keys up top you have all the controls required you have also access to your voice assistant, on top you can play and pause tracks pair with a second speaker and higher and lower the volume you can also skip tracks here and you have an EQ button which I strongly suggest you try out.

With access to the app you have even more at hand which is excellent and let me tell you this speaker packs a punch for its size with dual full range drivers which you can here many samples of below in the video review it packs a serious punch sounds excellent no matter the genre and you will be pleasantly surprised.

There is no sd card slot here which is no big deal and the buttons on top are tactile it is waterproof so trips to the beach or going in holidays is sorted and great battery life on board too with around 25 hours playback in total depending on you settings there is lots to pick from in the app which we also go through in the video below.

 

The TOZO App

 

 

  • [Three EQ Modes Adjustments With TOZO APP] The TOZO APP allows for convenient and quick connection of TOZO PA2 speaker, and supports three EQ adjustment modes, enabling users to freely switch between music styles and enjoy the ultimate music experience at any time.
  • [Stereo Sound Quality &Dual pairing] The TOZO PA2 Bluetooth speaker is equipped with dual dynamic coil drivers for audio output, allowing not only a single speaker to support left and right channel audio playback, but also two speakers to be connected in series for simultaneous use, enhancing the sound quality of both left and right channels, particularly suitable for outdoor and party.
  • [Waterproof] The TOZO PA2 speaker features powerful waterproof professional-grade waterproof protection that has been rigorously tested for waterproofing to effectively withstand rain and splashes during outdoor sports and travelling, making them ideal for camping, the beach, and listening to music freely.
  • [25H Continuous Playback] The TOZO PA2 speaker with powerful battery capacity, allowing the Bluetooth speaker to operate continuously for 25 hours on a single charge. The uninterrupted, extended battery life experience creates a better immersive listening atmosphere for enjoying music.
  • [Supported Calls] TOZO PA2 speaker supports direct calls via Bluetooth, voice conferencing, group chat, and access to the device’s default voice assistance, such as Siri to make a call, allows users to free their hands, enjoy the convenience of intelligent life.

BUY

Other TOZO reviews

Video Review

Pace of growth in household spending accelerates in January

Bank of Ireland customers increased their debit and credit card spending for January, with an acceleration in the pace of household spending growth to 6.1%, up from 4.5% in December. This growth, which was broad-based across various sectors, significantly outpaced the current CPI inflation rate of 1.4%, indicating a real gain in consumption of approximately 4%.

A key highlight of January’s spending was a surge in summer holiday planning – travel agencies saw a 50% increase in sales from December, while airline spending rose by 90%. Although year-on-year growth in these categories was modest, spending on hotels and resorts increased by 4.9%.

Spending on sports clubs saw a substantial 23% year-on-year rise, reflecting ‘New Year, New You’ resolutions. However, the January sales season’s impact on retail was less pronounced, with clothing sales down 5% year-on-year, although electrical goods saw a 6.4% increase – November/December are now the most important months for sales of both these items.

Despite the January sales season not providing a significant boost to retail spending, likely due to the prominence of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales in November and December, spending on services saw a 4.2% year-on-year increase, driven by higher expenditure on travel and other services. ATM withdrawals decreased in January by 2% year-on-year, now accounting for just 12% of total card spending, down from nearly one-third pre-pandemic.

“January’s credit/debit card data showing nominal spending growth of 6.1% is an encouraging sign, showing households’ incomes and expenditure are now growing faster than prices. Notably, cash withdrawals now account for just €1 in every €10 spent by Irish households, well down from one-third just a couple of years ago,” said Conall Mac Coille, Chief Economist, Bank of Ireland.

Looking ahead, Bank of Ireland forecasts a 3% real growth in consumer spending for 2025. “Several indicators support this optimistic outlook, including employment growth at 3.7%, a low unemployment rate of 4%, and average earnings growth of 5%, which is above the CPI inflation rate of 1.4%. Budget 2025 tax cuts, worth 2% of disposable incomes at the average wage, are also expected to bolster consumer spending”, said Conall Mac Coille.

Valentine’s Day is likely to have provided a significant boost to florists, with spending typically rising 5-6 times the normal daily average during this period. There has been a consistent decline in spending on online dating services, down 17% year-on-year in January and 43% since the peak in 2021.

Google Pixel Watch 3 45mm Review

The Google Pixel Watch 3 has been one of several devices on my Wrists I have been checking out the last while and having skipped the 2nd iteration this version has improved vastly and well worth the upgrade if you are still on the first one.

Now coming in two sizes 41mm and 45mm it is a bonus to see the bigger version which suits me better and many others from what I hear and this could have been done with the second model but it is what it is and welcome. On the build quality it is excellent and pretty much the same as before with that pebble shaped look and feel and overall it is a simple clean look.

On the 45mm one tested you will instantly note the bigger screen estate and for me this is vital all my watches are on the larger size having moved on from smaller faced watches this is even with traditional watches as I like to have both. What this means is more screen estate just like a bigger phone with smaller bezels also meaning there is more room for more things and more importantly for some a bigger battery.

If you are a Google home owner you appreciate this watch even more now as it its upgraded so you can answer your doorbell and get your notifications and do more on your wrist just as you would on the your Pixel device which for me is excellent.

Customization is also excellent here with an array of watch faces and right down to your notifications which again is important for me and many others out there as I do be on the go sometimes and being able to respond directly from the watch with a bigger screen is excellent and again with phone calls they are clear and for me an important factor, this watch was also test with other watches over the Christmas and they had not got all the features the Pixel Watch 3 has but again coming in under a 100 euros.

Fitbit is on board as we know and will run you an monthly subscription however I feel this is for more die hard fitness people but not for me, with all the features on the Pixel Watch 3 alone there is more than enough for my daily tracking needs, Bedtime mode also has improved but as you know I never wear a watch to bed EVER. Though I must try it sometime (been saying this years)

For the fitness which this watch aims at more so there is plenty on board to give you all the data you need and more including AI which can help you on your goals with suggestions and much more and again AI is the new hype now and of course Google are good at this so why not add it to their watch.

For me the Pixel Watch 3 has really impressed and is a huge update to version one and having more stamina but this will depend on the user and what they have synced to the watch and if someone like me that has lots going on I almost get two days out of it which is a huge improvement.

Overall the Pixel Watch 3 has upped its game and now on par or better in some instances on what is on offer and with the bigger display and simple UI it is one to put on your list if you are looking out for a new smartwatch or want to upgrade and better again move away from those tiny fitness trackers you need a magnifying glass to look at.

The App

 

Features

  • The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit; the 45mm screen is twice as bright and 40% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info
  • Maximize your performance with advanced running features; build custom run workouts and get real-time guidance and advanced form tracking
  • Enhance your run routine with Fitbit Premium; Google AI uses your goals, past runs, and readiness to power personalized run recommendations
  • Know what your body is ready for each day with readiness; it uses sleep, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability to show if you’re ready to take on a workout or prioritize recovery
  • Cardio load measures how hard your heart works so you can see how hard you’ve pushed; compare trends to see if you’re under- or over-training

BUY

See our other Google Pixel reviews 

Video Review

Maxcom FW66 Iron R – BijouWatch Men’s Jewellery Smartwatch Review

The Maxcom FW66 Iron R – BijouWatch Men’s Jewellery Smartwatch is one the latest watches out on my wrists for the past few weeks and for the money it looks good and does the job for those who want more than basics.

The advanced health features offer constant heart rate, blood oxygen and blood pressure monitoring, sleep analysis and sports tracking that has over 70 modes for recording workouts and monitoring progress over time, thanks to an intuitive app. Fast charging and a generous battery yields 14 days of life from one charge.

See the app features below and there is much more for the sporting enthusiast here for plenty of sports and check out the video review below and the unboxing is here

The watch is well built and has one pusher and one dial it is not like a digital crown though which is no big deal the watch stands out nicely and comes with two straps so this is a good thing not only that there is a link removing tool in the box which I have never seen with a smartwatch and I have reviewed countless smartwatches now so with that very nice and weighty metal strap in the box you do not need to rush out to a jewelers to get that fixed to your size you can do it there and then at home.

This is a basic smartwatch equipped with a 1.43-inch Amoled screen and is plenty bright, however it offers more than most basic offerings out there with the ability to take calls on the watch you can see a demo of the speaker below in the full video review.

You can control music gather data on your health goals, set goals send business cards and control push notifications, however you are limited here on what apps you can use and hopefully more is added one good thing however is when my doorbell rings I can get the calls on the watch an answer given the app is not in the list so for me that was an added bonus.

There is plenty of faces to pick from built into the app which is nice and you can add your own there is something for everyone here when it comes to customizing the watch albeit it basic there is plenty there and take your time to look a the gallery we show you all this in the video review.

Notifications are quick but basic with a line of text and you cant respond you can dial numbers from the watch which is handy and again most importantly take calls and they are clear the speaker is loud.

Overall this is a simple to use smartwatch with all the basics and less convoluted when it comes to menus setting it up and is great for those into their fitness regimes and not only that it looks good too.

The App

 

Features 

  • BUSINESS AND COMFORT: An elegant and innovative Jewellery Smartwatch, from BijouWatch series designed for demanding Men. Its timeless design and two different premium straps included make it perfect for both business meetings and intense workouts
  • AMOLED SCREEN: Equipped with a 1.43-inch Amoled screen Iron R offers vivid colors and image depth. The polished 2.5D glass set in a slim robust zinc alloy frame gives the watch an elegant, timeless look. With the Always-on Display option, you know the time without activating the screen
  • PREMIUM QUALITY: The brushed steel highlights the watch’s unique character. The set includes a stainless steel bracelet and a premium quality silicone magnetic strap. A tool is included to make shortening the bracelet easier
  • MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS: Iron R combines elegance with functionality. It offers over 70 sport modes to monitor steps, calories, distance, and heart rate. All data is saved in a dedicated app FitCloudPro, helping to achieve your fitness goals without sacrificing style
  • ALL IN ONE: With Iron R, you can receive calls and read messages and social media notifications without reaching for your phone. Customize your watch face to match your style. Choose from many available designs or upload your own image

BUY 

Other smartwatch reviews 

Video Review

TELUS Digital and Ringmahon Rangers Partner up to Promote Local Sports

For the second year, TELUS Digital has announced their sponsorship of the Ringmahon Rangers AFC, U14s/15s girls team. TELUS Digital has partnered with the football club in the Southside of Cork City, in an effort to support young women who are choosing to pursue sport.

Commenting on the community sponsorship, Miriam Manning, Director of Human Resources at TELUS Digital said: “Ringmahon Rangers FC is right on our doorstep in Cork. We are so proud to sponsor a team here in our community in Mahon. The team are absolute rays of sunshine and their love of the game is clear for all to see. We’re proud to encourage their continued participation, particularly in the early years of their sporting life.”

Ringmahon Rangers AFC was founded in 1951 and is based in the Southside of Cork City. The club offers training for a range of ages from 4 years old to seniors.

QCY Crossky C30 Ear Clip Earphones review

The QCY Crossky C30 Ear Clip Earphones are a new shaped earbud to the market and some might be a bit puzzled on how they work but after testing to my surprise these are pretty cool and do not fall off despite how they sit in your ear and look.

These are a well built product and look premium it has to be said and overall the sound is dam good despite not going all the way into your ears and akin to bone conduction styled earbuds.

The touch controls work really well with all the features expected present and you can see more in the video review and screenshots below.

The QCY App is a decent app as I have said before and so is the brand  and after testing several products over the years they are impressive and these are no different when it comes to sound. For those who like to take calls they were also equally impressive and quite clear on both ends on the few calls taken.

Highs lows and mids all good good bass and volume no tinny sound maxed out and no lag latency and you also get spatial sound thrown in here now which is a good feature to see and with all the EQ settings to explore you can set the right sound for you as everyone ears differ and overall if you want something new to try and a new style with good sound I would certainly put them on my to buy list this year.

 

The QCY App

 

Features

[Innovative C-Shape]: Stay aware of your surroundings without sealing your ear canal, delivering all-day comfort with barely-there feel.

•[Crystal Clear Calls]: Noise-reduction microphones ensure your voice is heard clearly, every time.

•[Advanced Directional Audio]: Accurate sound transmission with auto-adjusting beams for a private, immersive experience.

•[10.8mm Dual-Magnet Driver]: Provides balanced, high-quality sound with crisp vocals.

•[Extended Listening]: Up to 36 hours of continuous playback for long-lasting enjoyment.

Buy Direct

Ali Express

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Video Review