Tag: spotlight

EZVIZ H8 Pro Pan and tilt security camera review

The EZVIZ H8 Pro is a feature-packed outdoor Wi-Fi camera that combines 360-degree panoramic viewing with high 2K resolution and advanced on-board AI processing. This combination aims to eliminate blind spots while delivering smart, actionable alerts, making it a strong contender in the mid-range pan-and-tilt security market.

The resolution is great on this camera which is crucial for identifying license plates, faces, and small details over distance, especially in large outdoor areas. The video compression uses H.265, which keeps file sizes small despite the high resolution which can also be quickly downloaded or watched on playback in the app.

The motorized 360° pan and 80° tilt delivers truly comprehensive coverage. When paired with its auto-tracking, the camera automatically locks onto detected human movement, rotates to follow, and even zooms in up to 4x to ensure the activity is recorded in full. This is its standout feature, ensuring you capture events that would otherwise move out of a fixed camera’s field of view.

The on-board AI algorithm for detecting human and vehicle shapes is highly effective. This at times did not reduce the frequency of irrelevant notifications caused by shadows, rain, animals and flies/moths particulary at night which is a common occurance and again with rain especially at night. The siren and spotlight do a great job with loud audibile alert and bright lights and two way talk also sounds clear.

Installation is generally straightforward, for me existing holes there from other camera reviews where fine, however if plugging direct to your router you might be limited The inclusion of an Ethernet port is a major benefit for stability, particularly if the camera is mounted far from the router. The EZVIZ mobile app is the central hub for control and viewing, offering features like defining viewing spots, which the camera can return to quickly after tracking an event you can see in the video review down below

One issue for me during testing was a constant connection loss or using the app at any given time this is due to house build despite moving router I still had connection issues dropping out quite often so a fix would be a wi-fi extender for those who have similar issues this has been the case with many camera reviews

The EZVIZ H8 Pro stands out as one of the best value pan-and-tilt outdoor cameras available if you go without a sunscription to get extra features, Its combination of 2K high-resolution video, reliable dual connectivity (after installing Wi-Fi extender), and intelligent AI tracking makes it a highly effective guardian for large areas, though tested in a tight spot for me to put it to the test it serves well on wider areas. While the short power cable is a common minor frustration, the overall package of features, particularly the AI-powered precision and ability to track and zoom automatically, makes it a top recommendation for anyone seeking comprehensive and smart outdoor surveillance at a fair price.

The App

Features 

  • 360° vision in 2K: The H8 Pro 2K pans and tilts to take in information from all directions in 2K resolution, so you can see the big picture of your protected area without missing the small details.
  • AI Detection: The camera’s on-board AI algorithm helps it identify moving people and vehicles in particular. It sometimes reduces alerts caused by falling leaves or flying insects, and informs you when someone parks in your property area without permission.The H8 Pro 2K distinguishes people from pets or insignificant moving objects. When human activity gets detected, the camera will lock on the target and automatically rotate to follow the movement. Nothing will easily escape your attention.
  • Active Defense: The camera features the active defense function to provide an extra layer of protection. Upon detection of intruders, the camera will set off a loud siren and flash two spotlights for on-site deterrence.

  • Color Night Vision: The camera makes sure that no one can easily sneak in under the cover of darkness. It renders color night vision with the help of built-in spotlights, and ensures impressive black-and-white vision when lights are off. What’s better, you can set the camera to the “smart night vision” mode so its vision can automatically switch from black-and-white to full color upon motion detection.
  • See, hear and talk, from anywhere: Leaving home for family trips but worried about missed deliveries or unexpected visitors? With the H8 Pro 2K, you can simply use your smartphone to see, hear and talk to anyone who shows up at your property area.The H8 Pro 2K has a compact design, and is weatherproof to deliver long-standing performance, even in harsh weather conditions.

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Other security camera reviews

Video Review

Irish Guide To Selling CS2 Skins Safely

Selling CS2 skins should feel as secure as buying a round at your local. If you’re in Ireland and ready to turn cosmetic items into euros, start with a clear plan to sell cs2 skins for real money and a realistic understanding of risk. Below, you’ll find a practical path that balances speed, safety, and value—so you cash out without nasty surprises along the way.

Steam Market Vs Third-Party Marketplaces

The Steam Community Market is convenient but closed—funds stay locked to your Steam Wallet. That’s fine for buying games, not so great for groceries. Third-party marketplaces, by contrast, let you withdraw earnings, often at better rates on in-demand items. The trade-off? You must vet the platform’s security, support responsiveness, and visible track record before you list.

Third-party platforms typically offer clearer price discovery across many buyers, which helps avoid underpricing rare finishes. Look for escrow-style flows, two-factor authentication, and transparent seller dashboards. You want item verification steps, visible trading histories, and a dispute process that doesn’t feel like a black box. If a site is vague about fees or timelines, treat that as your first red flag.

Spotlight: A Marketplace Built for Sellers — Skin.Land

Suppose you prefer a gamer-first flow with plain-English policies, Skin.Land is a solid place to start. The platform focuses on clarity around listing, settlement, and withdrawals, with an interface that’s easy to learn and quick to navigate. Sellers appreciate straightforward pricing, robust account security options, and a clean order history that makes reconciliation painless. If you’re exploring where to sell CS2 skins safely without overcomplicating the process, adding Skin.Land on your shortlist is a smart move.

Cash Out CS2 Skins To Bank Or Card

Once your item sells, your next decision is payout. In Ireland, many traders prefer SEPA bank transfers for familiarity and auditability. Card withdrawals can feel faster for day-to-day spending. Either way, the platform should outline verification requirements up front: identity checks, proof of ownership, and anti-fraud safeguards. Those guardrails protect you from chargebacks, impersonation, and other hassles.

Timing matters. Some services batch withdrawals daily; others run them multiple times per day. Review cut-off windows to avoid weekend drift. For larger sums, expect an extra compliance pass—nothing unusual there. Keep your profile data consistent with your banking details; tiny mismatches can trigger needless delays. And always enable mobile and email confirmations for every step of the cash-out flow.

Payout Methods And Fees

Fees change the real price you’re getting, so read the fine print like a hawk. Platforms may charge a listing commission, a sale fee, and a separate withdrawal fee. Your bank may also charge an inbound fee, depending on the method used. Factor all of that into your target price; don’t fixate on the sticker number alone. A slightly higher list price with lower withdrawal costs can yield more benefits.

Consider volatility, too. CS2 skin prices move with meta shifts, tournament hype, and limited-time drops. If a hot skin is trending, a marketplace with deeper liquidity might close faster at fair value. Conversely, for niche or low-volume items, patience beats panic. Set alerts, watch recent sales, and avoid selling immediately after a major patch when prices often wobble.

Quick Safety Checklist Before You Sell

  • Double-check item float, stickers, and wear; premium details impact price. 
  • Use Steam Guard, confirm trades on your mobile device, and never share your confirmation codes. 
  • Verify marketplace domain and TLS certificate; avoid links sent via DMs. 
  • Read the fee schedule and minimum withdrawal amounts end-to-end. 
  • Test a small sale first to validate the payout pipeline and timing. 
  • Keep screenshots of listings, confirmations, and any support chats. 

How To Price For The Irish Market Without Guesswork

Start with recent sales, not asking prices. The latter can be wishful thinking. Filter by wear, float, and pattern so you’re comparing apples with apples. If you’re not in a rush, list slightly above the last confirmed sale and enable offers. For quick exits, undercut the average—but only after tallying payout methods and fees to track your real take-home.

When activity spikes—around Majors or skin-related events—your listing strategy should adjust. Shorten listing duration, keep notifications on, and respond to credible offers fast. If you get several bids within minutes, you likely underpriced; cancel and relist if your marketplace allows it. Conversely, if it’s quiet for days, consider nudging your price or bundling lower-value items.

Account Security: Think Like A Keeper

Treat your Steam account like a vault: unique passwords, a password manager, and two-factor on everything. Check authorized devices weekly. Revoke old API keys and avoid browser extensions you don’t recognize. Phishing is rampant: no legitimate support rep will ask for your login or one-time codes. When in doubt, go straight to the platform URL you trust—don’t click embedded buttons in emails.

Trade confirmations deserve special care. Always review item names, wear levels, and pattern IDs in the confirmation window. Scammers rely on speed; you beat them with a thirty-second sanity check. If a listing or trade looks off by even a hair, cancel it. A lost minute is cheaper than a lost knife.

Why Marketplace Choice Matters For Irish Sellers

Irish users benefit from platforms that understand EU payments. SEPA support, clear timelines, and compliance with GDPR all reduce friction. Equally important: active support during Irish business hours and an FAQ that actually answers payout questions. A marketplace like Skin.Land focuses on clarity around listing, settlement, and withdrawal—useful if you want a reliable, gamer-centric flow without constant ticket ping-pong.

Regional Notes For Ireland

Keep an eye on local bank processing times, especially near holidays and long weekends. Some institutions post transfers the next business day, which can stretch a Friday request into Monday funds. For regular sellers, build a routine: list midweek, plan withdrawals before noon, and set alerts for confirmation emails so you can react quickly if anything needs your attention.

Bringing It All Together: A Safe, Straightforward Play

Selling skins shouldn’t feel like defusing a bomb. Choose a vetted marketplace, confirm security basics, and price using verified sales, not hype. Understand how you’ll cash out CS2 skins to bank or card, what the total costs look like, and how speed compares to value. Small checks—domain, confirmations, fee math—protect significant outcomes when real money’s on the line.

Ready to convert pixels into practical euros? Start with a low-risk test sale, validate your payout path, and scale from there. With a solid process and a platform built for players, you’ll move from trial run to trusted routine—turning your CS2 loadout into real-world flexibility without compromising safety or control.

PRCA Spotlight Awards for Excellence in Communications 2025

The Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA) launches the PRCA Spotlight Awards for Excellence in Communications 2025, a fresh new rebrand of the PRCA Awards, which have been running for over 30 years. Setting the benchmark for excellence in Ireland’s PR and communications industry, the PRCA Spotlight Awards will celebrate the outstanding value and impact PR agencies and professionals have on clients, society and the Irish economy through strategic insight, creativity, and measurable results. Entries close on Tuesday 15th of April and cost €200 per entry.

The PRCA Spotlight Awards also announces new and improved categories that will demonstrate the tangible value PR agencies create for their clients, from shaping reputations and influencing behaviour to driving business growth and societal change. There are 24 categories in the PRCA Spotlight Awards 2025 including new awards for Best Contribution to a Client’s Goals through a Social-First Campaign, Best Technology Campaign and Best Lifestyle Campaign, Best Agency Innovation along with awards to celebrate the industry’s Rising Star and those who demonstrate an Outstanding Contribution to the Industry.

There is a new judging panel for the PRCA Spotlight Awards, chaired by Crispin Manners, CEO and founder of Onva Consulting, a Fellow and past Chairman of the PRCA in the UK. Crispin will be joined by a panel of experts including Chloe Brennan, Matchstick Talent Agency,  Andy Green, Story Starts Here, Geraldine Herbert, journalist and broadcaster, Thomas Kelly from DCU, Eoin Kennedy, Consultant, Geoff Lyons, PML Group, Padraig McKeon, consultant advisor, Allison Morris, Belfast Telegraph, Andras Sztaniszlav, CEO of ICCO, Florence White from Úisce Eireann, Nikki Gallagher, Head of Public Affairs, IBEC  Gillian Nelis, the Business Post.

Commenting on the PRCA Spotlight Awards, newly appointed chair of the PRCA board, Brian Harrison of MKC, said: “As the advocate for the industry’s impact and a catalyst for agency success, PRCA has designed these awards to reinforce the essential role of PR in business and society. Under the leadership of Crispin Manners, PRCA 2025 award chair, and judged by a panel of experts across 24 categories, the awards include new areas such as innovation and the best use of new technologies like AI. This year’s awards will showcase how agencies are shaping the future of communications. “When I was invited to chair the judging panel, I grabbed the opportunity with open arms because my previous experience of Irish PRCA members is that they deliver amazing contributions to client success every day. I’m looking forward to being able to reward those contributions with the recognition they deserve.” explained Crispin Manners.

The PRCA Spotlight Awards are open to PR agencies, sole traders and in-house PR teams, who have worked with a PR agency or sole trader to deliver impactful campaigns. Entries opened on Friday, 7th March and cost €200 per entry. The deadline for entries is 12pm on Tuesday, 15th April and the shortlist will be announced on Tuesday, 20th May. The awards ceremony will take place in The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, on Friday, 20th June.

For further information, please visit www.prca.ie and https://prca.ie/about-the-awards-for-excellence/

Tech Review – SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Security Camera

The SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Cam is one of several home security devices from the company and we have tested their indoor security system recently here which works really well and now we are going outdoors this time around.

Having outdoor security is equally as important as having indoor security in my book especially when you are not at home and having a simple system to set up is even better which SwitchBot is and takes only a few minutes to get up and running.

If you are not sure on how to install onto you wall or facia you can always ask someone else to do it or indeed the whole camera I often have done it myself for some folks which is fine and great to lend a hand.

Once you have the app installed you can then set all the parameters required to suit your needs and start protecting your home there is a myriad of features here on this camera including two way audio and nice loud alarm and a spotlight which gives you a color view at night but also acts as a light if you need to do something and of course there is AI built in to determine what has been spotted.

The app has plenty to toggle with and we go through it all in the video review below to give you an idea, it is best to get an sd card to store footage locally which you can download or view on your smartphone which is hand you can also view from anywhere in the world on your phone and get notifications do you are safe no matter where you are to get notifications should they arise.

I have tested this both on Android and iOS and there is not difference in how the app works and it works really well as does the camera having test other SwitchBot camera this one again yields a really good camera to have at your house and delivers each time on testing and in general and easy to recommend but do check the full video review below for more and what to expect.

Switchbot App

 

Features

  • Features AI Human/Pet Detection: SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Camera is able to differentiate between human, pet, and other forms of movement to help prevent false alerts. You can also receive smart alerts when motion is detected.
  • Weather Resistant with Great Battery Life: Dust, rain, snow? No problem, whatever the weather our battery operated security camera is made to withstand, and we’ve included a 10,000mAh battery to give you a longer charge life. Also offers an optional SwitchBot solar panel for unlimited power supply(Additional purchase required).
  • 1080P Clear Night-vision: With a built-in infrared sensor and lens you’re now able to get an even clearer picture when recording at night, all in color. There’s also a spotlight that can be activated when movement is detected.
  • Includes Two-way Talk: You can communicate using the built-in mic on our cam and talk to whoever is on the other side, you can even use Alexa or Google Home and use voice commands to check devices like Echo Show (2.4Ghz Wi-Fi only).
  • Local & Cloud Storage Options: You can store video either via a MicroSD card (supports up to 256GB) or via the cloud using our AWS server services to safely backup your footage.

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Video Review

Tech Review – Quntis LED Waterproof Solar Landscape Spotlights

With things the way way they are now with the cost of living raising almost weekly there is some forms of technology that can help you out that is cost effective to buy and free to run, lights are one example many of us have in our homes, I have a home security system with spotlights that are plugged in however timed but depending on the time of night and how much they are used will obviously affect the cost of running them.

Quntis has a solution that is cheap to buy and free to run something that the green party here would like and it is the Quntis LED outdoor spotlights that run by solar power and no need to plug them in to use them or charge them as there is a small 1200mAh battery inside to do that for you.

These can be mounted in the ground or fixed onto the way with two screws and there is also a switch on the rear to turn them on whenever you need with two brightness levels too, simple and effective idea easy to maintain and easy to operate.

Check out the video review below for more, this is so simple and easy to use and check out the results.

Features

  • 【Super Bright Cool White Solar Spotlights】24 LEDs Solar spot lights adopts optical lens design for 30% more brightness, luminous intensity 800 Lumen which can focus the light source to the greatest extent and increase the brightness of the light. Solar spot lights can completely light up patio gardens, swimming pools etc.
  • 【IP65 Waterproof Solar Spot Lights Outdoor】Outdoor spotlights are made up of high-quality ABS plastic materials, integrated design IP65 waterproof, 1200mAh large capacity rechargeable battery, longer light time. Whether it’s raining, snowing, high temperatures or other extreme weather, you can use the solar landscape lights with confidence.
  • 【Automatic On-Off & 2 Brightness modes】Solar uplighters come with Auto-charging and Auto On/Off function. The battery usually lasts for about 12 hours on low brightness(45% brightness) and for about 6 hours at high brightness(100% brightness) setting. When the battery is not enough, the brightness of the light will automatically decrease to ensure the longest light time.

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Video

 

SHADOW Announces Strategic Vision – Becoming the Definitive Cloud-Computing Platform for Gamers, Creators, and Businesses

Today, at the first-ever Shadow Spotlight keynote, cloud-computing specialist SHADOW detailed its strategic vision for the coming years and delivered on promises made to its community.

Now a global cloud-computing company chaired by Octave Klaba, OVHcloud founder, SHADOW is moving forward with a new cloud storage solution. With this re-launch, SHADOW positions itself as the definitive cloud platform for gamers, creatives, and businesses.

Shadow’s Power Upgrade, the best of our cloud-computing technology, available to everyone to play, create, and work on any connected device

SHADOW’s original product launched in 2016 offering the aim of allowing all individuals to enjoy the power of a high-end PC within the cloud. The revamped Shadow subscription service features an updated plan: while the starting price remains $29,99€ per month, we now offer a brand-new Power Upgrade, available for an additional $14,99€.

This new upgrade will help realize SHADOW’s plan to introduce and sustain a more complete and adaptable offering, suited to everyone’s needs, offering new technology at the best price. SHADOW strives to keep its promise: to democratize access to a PC with the latest components for as many people as possible, via the cloud, without needing to purchase a physical device.

So, what will be the configuration of the Power Upgrade?

  • An AMD EPYC™ 7543P CPU with 4 cores and 8 threads
  • The power of a high-end GPU, ranging from:
    • NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 3070-class
    • NVIDIA’s equivalent graphic cards tailored for professionals
    • AMD’s latest RDNA 2 based GPUs, including the AMD Radeon™ PRO V620 GPU designed for cloud-computing and gaming
  • 16 GB of RAM

The model of GPU included in specific Power Upgrade configurations will vary based on local data-center pick. Shadow will notably feature for the first time AMD EPYC™ processors and AMD’s latest RDNA 2 GPUs running innovative cloud streaming software solutions as part of its offerings. Details regarding GPU territorial availability are forthcoming.

Shadow’s Power Upgrade will be available for pre-order this summer, and globally available* this fall. An Early Access period will also be available for selected users ahead of general availability, for which details will be shared soon. Users can already register to be notified when the pre-orders go live in the coming weeks by following this link.

In addition to the availability of the Power Upgrade, the Shadow base offer continues to benefit from new features that expand or enhance the experience. SHADOW recently released dual and remote screen updates, enhanced colors with 4:4:4 chroma subsampling**, and the release of Shadow VR in Early Access, the first ever VR experience entirely powered by the cloud. Today, we also unveiled its new look, and the redesign of its overlay interface, offering an even more intuitive and responsive experience.

Our Shadow cloud-based computer also has the added benefit of an embedded 1Gbps fiber connection. And finally, users can also add extra-storage options, easily upgradable up to 2 TB.

“At SHADOW, we believe that cloud technologies have the potential to bring technological freedom to all,” declared Éric Sèle, CEO at SHADOW. “That’s why today, we’re very happy to introduce a new milestone for our Shadow service, with our Power Upgrade.”

“It is with excitement that we start a great new cooperation with Shadow, supporting them both with our CPU and GPU lines in a powerful package. This is an important step in accelerating their technological and geographic development projects,” said Olivier Suinat, CVP Global Sales at AMD. 

Shadow will be available this fall in Canada and Austria, among other territories

SHADOW also proudly unveiled today that the base Shadow subscription plan and its Power Upgrade will be available soon in new territories, including Canada and Austria, this fall.

Users in these territories will be able to enjoy SHADOW’s industry-leading cloud-computing features. Shadow availability in additional key territories will be announced in the future.

At this time, SHADOW’s network of data-centers is composed of eight units, located in France, Germany, the United States and Canada. More openings are planned in our roadmap.

For more information about the Shadow Power Upgrade and the evolution of the Shadow service, please check the dedicated blog post.

Today, with more than 150 talented people working either on site in the SHADOW HQ in Paris or remotely in North America and Europe, the company is actively recruiting for diverse roles. For those interested in joining the adventure, please visit SHADOW’s careers page.

Shadow Drive, the online-storage solution by SHADOW, available this fall

SHADOW’s vision and ambitions go beyond pure cloud-computing. Introduced today, Shadow Drive is a safe and affordable online-storage solution built in partnership with Nextcloud, the world leading open-source file-sharing platform. Shadow Drive will allow users to store their data while keeping it accessible from anywhere. Data will be accessible via web, desktop and mobile apps which will be unveiled soon. Shadow Drive is fully secured through traffic encryption and will be available in all markets Shadow operates in, through European operated servers.

Shadow Drive will be available for free with up to 20 GB of storage, while a premium version of the service will be available at $8,99€ a month, with up to 2 TB available.

Shadow Drive will be available in soft launch with selected users this summer, and available to all in Europe this fall, and soon in North America.

Our ambition to set personal technology free from its material boundaries is not just about cloud-computing. To go beyond, we have been developing Shadow Drive, our cloud storage solution, with the help of our prestigious partner Nextcloud, for which I thank Frank,” explained Éric Sèle, CEO at SHADOW. “We are very excited with this combined European effort.” 

“We have a common vision with Octave and Éric, and share values of excellence, openness and European sovereignty. This partnership felt natural and we are very happy to help SHADOW achieve its ambitions,” said Frank Karlitschek, CEO at Nextcloud.