Tag: tech

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Available Worldwide

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the global availability of the new Galaxy S25 series. Together with One UI 7, Gemini is officially available at launch in 46 languages,making it easier than ever to perform seamless actions across Samsung and Google apps.

“The Galaxy S25 series is a fundamental shift in how we interact with our phones,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are thrilled to see how our users will enjoy this true AI companion that offers seamless and intuitive solutions in their daily lives.”

On the Galaxy S25 series, AI agents with multimodal capabilities are integrated within the One UI 7 platform to perform complex tasks seamlessly across apps and enable natural user interactions through speech, text, videos and images. Now Brief provides tailored suggestions to guide through the day and Now Bar offers a new hub for ongoing activities. From enhanced productivity with Writing Assist to limitless creativity unleashed by Drawing Assist, the expanded capabilities of Galaxy AI continue to empower users in every aspect of their daily lives.

Interactions with the Galaxy S25 series are also more intuitive. With just a single command, Gemini can effortlessly find a user’s favourite sports team’s schedule and add it to Samsung Calendar. Additionally, Google’s enhanced Circle to Search now gives users more helpful information with AI Overviews and one-tap actions.

Samsung has also launched the Samsung Wallet app in 30 new countries, including Poland, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Greece, Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Ireland, Slovenia, Croatia, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and Iceland. Samsung Wallet will come pre-installed on all Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 Ultra smartphones and can also be downloaded to existing Galaxy devices from the Galaxy Store.

With Samsung Wallet, you can store and organise all your essentials for a faster, safer and easier everyday routine. Store passwords and log-ins details via Samsung Pass, digital keys for your car and home, boarding passes from partner airlines, and membership cards and coupons. At launch, Samsung Wallet does not currently support payments via credit card, bank accounts, or other payment services.

The Galaxy S25 series further refines and enhances the core capabilities that define the Galaxy experience. Powering the Galaxy S25 series globally, the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy fuels on-device processing for more responsive AI experiences. With unique customisations for Galaxy, including ProScaler  and Samsung’s mobile Digital Natural Image engine (mDNIe), the Galaxy S25 series boasts enhanced AI image processing and display power efficiency. The newly introduced 50MP ultrawide camera sensor for the Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers epic shots from every range in exceptional clarity, while professional grade controls like Virtual Aperture and Samsung Log turn any photo or video into the ultimate visual experience.

The Galaxy S25 series is the industry’s first smartphone lineup to support Content Credentials, based on the open technical standard from the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). Samsung has also joined the C2PA as a member, alongside industry leaders including Adobe, Microsoft, OpenAI, Google, Publicis Groupe and more, all collaborating to establish Content Credentials as the universal standard for digital content provenance. In line with its commitment to responsible mobile AI innovation, Samsung adopted this standard to enhance transparency for content created and edited with generative AI.

Starting February 7, the Galaxy S25 series will be widely available through carriers and retailers and on Samsung.com. Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Black, Titanium Whitesilver and Titanium Gray. Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ come in Navy, Silver Shadow, Icyblue and Mint.

All Galaxy S25 devices will come with six months of Gemini Advanced and 2TB of cloud storage at no extra cost. Gemini Advanced comes with Samsung’s most capable AI models and priority access to the newest features like Gems, custom AI experts for any topic, and Deep Research, which acts as a personal AI research assistant.

For more information about Galaxy S25 series, visit: Samsung Newsroom, Samsungmobilepress.com and Samsung.com.

See our first look

20 years of discovery with Google Maps

Twenty years ago, Google Maps started helping us explore the world, navigate unfamiliar roads and discover hidden gems. As Google Maps turns 20 they wanted to share some of the best features and hacks along with some of the most-reviewed places from the past two decades in Ireland.

Ireland’s crowd-pleasers: The most-reviewed destinations

Visitor attractions

  1. Cliffs of Moher

  2. The Books of Kells Experience 

  3. Rock of Cashel

  4. Hook Lighthouse

  5. Torc Waterfall

  6. Powerscourt Waterfall

  7. Dublinia

  8. Spanish Arch

  9. Glencar Waterfall

  10. Blarney Stone

 

Parks

  1. Phoenix Park

  2. St. Stephen’s Green

  3. Eyre Square

  4. Fota Wildlife Park

  5. Kilkenny Castle Park

  6. Killarney National Park

  7. Marley Park

  8. Wicklow Mountains National Park

  9. Merrion Square Park

  10. Connemara National Park

 

Museums

  1. National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street

  2. Muckross House

  3. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

  4. Irish Whiskey Museum

  5. National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street

  6. National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks

  7. The Little Museum of Dublin

  8. Titanic Experience Cobh

  9. Irish Museum of Modern Art

  10. Chester Beatty

 

Here are just a few mind-blowing stats about Maps:

 

  • 1 trillion: how many kilometers of directions they provided in 2024. This is the distance of Earth orbiting the sun over one thousand times!

 

  • 250 million: the number of businesses and places on the map. If you were to visit one of these places every hour without sleeping, it would take you more than 28,500 years to get through this list!

 

  • 500 million: the number of users who contribute information like reviews, photos, ratings and driving disruptions to the map per year. A vertical stack of 500 million pieces of paper would be 50km high!

 

  • 100 million: the number of updates made to the map each day. That means that in the time it took to read this sentence, the map was updated 10,000 times!

 

Today Google Maps is sharing some of the most popular and all-time favorite features — along with helpful hidden gems that might have been missed over the years.

1. Drive in style (new!)

Now when driving with Google Maps, the navigation icon is customisable with new car types and colors. Depending on your mood, choose a powerful pickup truck, a stylish SUV, a roaring racecar and more in eight vibrant colors. Just start navigating, tap on the blue arrow and let your creativity lead the way.

2. Get menu highlights

When checking out a new restaurant, use Maps to quickly understand its most popular dishes in advance. Search for a restaurant and scroll down to “menu highlights” — photos and reviews of top dishes from the Maps community will be visible to help people tap into their inner foodie and order with confidence.

3. Understand an area at a glance with AR

It can be tough to get your bearings if you’re in a new neighborhood. With Lens in Maps, tap the camera icon in the search bar and lift your phone to let augmented reality instantly overlay helpful information, like the name of a place, how busy it is and if it’s highly rated.

4. See HOV lanes along your route

Headed somewhere new and want to save time? Just get directions to your destination and quickly see if there are HOV lanes along your route so you can get there as efficiently as possible.

5. Time travel with Street View

Go back in time with Street View! See loved ones and even check out a childhood home: Open Google Maps and turn on the Street View layer. Search a home address, tap “See more dates” and scroll through the images to watch your neighborhood evolve over time!

6. Make reservations right from Maps

Forget frantic phone calls or scrambling for last-minute reservations: Google Maps can help you snag a table at your favorite restaurant. Search for the restaurant, and if it works with a booking partner, tap on “Reserve” to book your reservation.

7. Plan group hangouts with lists

Lists in Google Maps make it a breeze to save and share places you want to visit – and they also make it easy for groups to pick a spot. The next time you have an outing planned, create a collaborative list where everyone can save places and vote on them with emoji so you can make a quick decision on where to go.

8. Arrive with confidence

It can be tough to find the right entrance at a large apartment complex or unfamiliar building. With arrival guidance, Maps will highlight the entrance, show nearby parking lots and remind you to save your parking spot. Once parked, you can get walking directions from the  car to the entrance — and even enter Street View or AR walking navigation to orient yourself quickly.

9. Know before you go

With Immersive View, you can experience what stadiums, parks and routes look like and even check the weather and traffic so you can be ready in advance. When driving, see where the nearest parking is and if there are any tight turns on your route.

10. Send your trip from your phone to your car

If you’re in a rush, you can plan your trip from your phone and send it straight to your car if it has Google built-in. No need to waste time re-entering the address.

11. Find the hottest restaurants in town

Whether you’re exploring a new city or rediscovering your neighborhood, Google Maps’ restaurant lists can help you find the perfect spot. Check out our trending list to find places that have recently surged in popularity, the top list  for tried-and-true favorites and the gems list  to find the next hot spot before everyone else does.

12. Avoid the crowds

It’s helpful to know how busy a place will be before you get there so you can save time and avoid long lines. Search for a place and scroll down to “Popular times” — you’ll see a graph of how busy it typically is, and even how busy it is at that moment. New efficiency hack unlocked!

13. Don’t get lost — even when you’re off the grid

When exploring a new city or when in an area with bad signal, you can use Google Maps offline to access essential navigation information. Search for an area, tap the name or address and select “Download” to give yourself access to navigation and key details without a connection. Perfect for travel and adventures off the beaten path.

14. Get accessibility information anywhere

For those with accessibility needs, turn on “Accessible Places” in settings and a wheelchair icon will show if a place has accessible entrances, seating, restrooms and parking. Those with visual impairments can get detailed voice guidance while walking, with helpful alerts about routes, upcoming turns and nearby intersections.

15. Save money and petrol

Lots of people want ways to get around more sustainably. Fuel-efficient routing in Google Maps can help — it uses AI to show the most fuel- or energy-efficient route to your destination, if it’s not already the fastest one. Just pull up directions and tap on the route with the green leaf.

16. Have fun with Pegman!

Pegman is the beloved Street View mascot, and depending on where in the world you’re browsing, he might transform into someone new! Hint: Check out Loch Ness, Scotland for a fun surprise!

See our Google Reviews

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra first look.

The Samsung S25 Ultra is in for review and like every year the Ultra series from Samsung are arguably the best devices on the market.

As a regular user of the Ultra series over the years they do stand the test of time and we often see awards from other bloggers and YouTube giving them the number one accolade but this is their personal view like my reviews are and as I said arguable which is why I do not give awards.

At a first look you will be finding it hard to tell the difference however this is not uncommon these days with companies playing it safe but thankfully those corners are now gone which means you can hold it more comfortably.

In fact on reading up on the device over the last while much of the upgrades are now with their software and that annoying word now which is (AI) but having said that these new features may come in handy and now with apps being able to talk to each other again might be of significance to some and AI is the thing now like it or not.

 

Stay tuned for more and see more on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and check out some more Samsung Reviews

Ireland Availability and Special Offers

The Galaxy S25 series will be available for pre-order and widely available in operators, retailers and on samsung.com from 7th February 2025.

Galaxy S25 Ultra will be available in Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Black, Titanium Whitesilver and Titanium Grey. Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ will be available in Silver Shadow, Navy, Icyblue and Mint.

Customers who pre-order Galaxy S25, S25+ or S25 Ultra from Samung.com can double their storage too for the same price

Pricing

Galaxy S25 Ultra RRP:

  • 256GB – €1,469
  • 512GB – €1,589
  • 1TB – €1,849

Unboxing Video

Jabra launches the PanaCast 40 VBS: the first 180° Android-powered video bar designed for small rooms

Today, Jabra, the world’s leading professional audio brand, announces the launch of the PanaCast 40 VBS, the only Android-powered video bar designed specifically for small meeting rooms that captures the entire room with 180-degree FoV. This latest innovation builds on the success of Jabra’s PanaCast 50 VBS, bringing the same powerful performance to smaller spaces in a more compact and cost-effective package.

As more organisations transition back to the office and hybrid work environments become the norm, the demand for efficient small meeting space solutions continues to grow. These spaces often pose unique challenges for video collaboration. Traditional solutions often struggle to capture all participants equally, particularly those seated closer to the screen, while some lack video conferencing equipment altogether. This imbalance can result in empty meeting rooms and gaps in communication, highlighting the need for solutions that provide clear, inclusive experiences for everyone, regardless of location.

The PanaCast 40 VBS bridges this gap by delivering an all-in-one solution that transforms small meeting rooms into high-performing collaboration hubs. With its wide field of view, exceptional audio quality, and seamless usability, the PanaCast 40 VBS ensures every participant is seen and heard clearly, enabling organisations to fully utilise their small spaces and bring collaboration to new heights.

Redefining collaboration for small spaces

Globally, less than 3% of huddle rooms are video enabled*, leaving millions of small meeting spaces underutilised and underserved. The PanaCast 40 VBS addresses this challenge with its innovative dual-camera systems, delivering a seamless180° field of view through advanced stitching technology. This ensures full room coverage, making every participant clearly visible on video.

The video capabilities are matched by the advanced audio performance, which stems from the GN group-wide unique sound processing capabilities. The sound is powered by a single high-quality speaker and six microphones with adaptive beamforming. Intelligent audio algorithms enhance sound clarity for exceptional voice pickup, so every word is heard clearly and accurately, fostering more natural and engaging virtual interactions and ensuring remote participants feel fully included.

By reimagining what’s possible in a huddle room, the PanaCast 40 VBS transforms a small space into a comfortable collaboration area, allowing facility managers to unlock the full potential of these underutilised spaces.

Designed for ease of use and rapid deployment

Designed with simplicity and ease of use at its core, the PanaCast 40 VBS offers a straightforward installation process—from unboxing to mounting to the first meeting. Its intuitive setup ensures that even first-time customers can get their systems up and running in seconds, making collaboration effortless.

New packaging enhances the deployment experience further by allowing provisioning without the need to remove the product from the box. The design also features easy cable routing, reducing installation time. The PanaCast 40 VBS is ideal for quick and easy installations in small rooms, such as Express Install for Microsoft Teams Rooms.  

It also ensures a consistent and seamless experience for small meeting spaces by sharing many of the same accessories as its medium room counterpart, the PanaCast 50 VBS. This enables simplified operations for administrators and flexibility across different room sizes, making the PanaCast 40 VBS a versatile and efficient solution for modern office needs.

A future-proof investment 

The PanaCast 40 VBS is built to adapt to the evolving needs of modern workplaces, particularly for small Android environments. With its certified compatibility for Android environments, it offers flexibility with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and BYOD deployment options.

To enhance usability and longevity, the PanaCast 40 VBS includes optional accessories such as a touch controller and a detachable faceplate for easy cleaning. It can also be purchased as a bundle, with both the PanaCast 40 VBS and the touch controller included. Furthermore, seamless integration with ecosystem partners ensures a future-proof investment, complemented by up-to-date manageability through Jabra+ software and the reassurance of Jabra Warranty+ services.

Holger Reisinger, SVP Enterprise Video Business Unit at Jabra said: “The modern workplace is undergoing a transformation, with organisations reimagining how their spaces can drive productivity and collaboration. Small rooms, phone booths and huddle spaces are a cornerstone of this evolution, yet they’ve often been overlooked by traditional video solutions. With the PanaCast 40 VBS, we’re addressing this gap by delivering a flexible, intuitive, and future-proof Android solution that empowers teams to collaborate seamlessly, regardless of room size or platform preference.”

Key Features of the PanaCast 40 VBS:

  • Full-room coverage – 180° field-of-view with dual cameras and 4x digital zoom.
  • Superior audio – 1 speaker and 6 microphones, enhanced by intelligent audio algorithms for crystal-clear sound and voice pickup
  • Streamlined setup – New packaging enables provisioning without removing the product from the box.
  • Consistent experience – Shared touch controller and stand with the PanaCast 50 VBS medium room solution for seamless integration across spaces.
  • Effortless installation – Simplified cable routing and protection for easy, clean setup.
  • Flexible deployment – Compatible with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and BYOD setups.
  • PanaCast 40 VBS is an MDEP-based solution (Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform), delivering strengthened security and enhanced meetings experiences
  • Intelligent Meeting Space enables users to personalise and set virtual meeting space boundaries—perfect for open-plan offices or glass-walled rooms.
  • Always up to date – Managed via Jabra+, ensuring the latest features and functionality.
  • Reliability – Backed by Jabra Warranty+ for added peace of mind.
  • Modern design – Clean, professional aesthetic that fits seamlessly into contemporary workspaces.
  • Practical features – Easy-clean cover and ADA compliance for enhanced usability.

Jabra PanaCast 40 VBS will be available from Mid-2025. MSRP $1,499 / £1,310.

Please find out more information at https://www.jabra.com/panacast40vbs.

See our Jabra reviews

Tech-Enhanced Digital Marketing for the Modern Business: 4 Essential Tips

In today’s competitive landscape, entrepreneurs must adapt to the rapid evolution of technology and digital marketing strategies. Gone are the days of relying solely on traditional advertising methods. As the online marketplace expands, a comprehensive digital marketing plan becomes essential for reaching your target audience effectively. Tech-enhanced digital marketing combines creativity and analytics, allowing businesses to engage consumers on multiple fronts. By leveraging recent technological advancements, companies can optimize their marketing campaigns, personalize customer interactions, and strengthen their brand presence. This article offers four essential tips for companies seeking to enhance their digital marketing techniques with cutting-edge technology.

Create a Personalized Experience

Personalization has become a cornerstone of digital marketing. Consumers no longer want a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, they expect brands to understand their preferences and tailor interactions accordingly. To achieve this, businesses can utilize data analytics tools that help segment audiences based on behavior, demographics, and interests. By tapping into this information, marketers can create targeted campaigns that speak directly to distinct consumer groups. To take advantage of this trend effectively, consider getting the help of A forward thinking digital agency that’s always growing, as they can guide you in choosing the right tools for your needs. Personalized experiences enhance user experience and drive engagement and conversion rates.

Embrace Automation to Enhance Efficiency

Automation tools are invaluable for modern digital marketing efforts. Marketing automation streamlines processes, allowing businesses to focus more on creativity than repetitive tasks. From emails to social media posting, automation can save time and improve accuracy. Additionally, these tools provide insight into customer interactions and sales performance, enabling data-driven decision-making. Chatbots often enhance customer service by responding instantly to inquiries and ensuring consumers feel valued. Automation permits businesses to maintain consistent communication with their audience while optimizing resources.

Leverage Analytics for Continuous Improvement

Analytical tools equip businesses with the insights needed to refine their marketing strategies continually. Understanding consumer behavior through data enables companies to assess what works and what doesn’t. By monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs), brands can identify areas for improvement, adjust their tactics accordingly. A/B testing helps evaluate different approaches, allowing marketers to determine which variations resonate best with their audience. Continuous monitoring and adjustment based on analytical data can drive long-term success, ensuring that marketing strategies evolve with consumer preferences. Embracing data analytics fosters a culture of improvement where every campaign becomes an opportunity for growth.

Invest in Interactive Content

Interactive content is a practical way to engage consumers. Unlike traditional marketing methods, it invites audience participation, fostering a deeper connection between businesses and consumers. Quizzes, polls, and interactive infographics capture attention and encourage sharing, increasing brand visibility. Furthermore, this content provides valuable consumer behavior, preferences, and motivation data. By understanding audience engagement, businesses can craft future content strategies that align with consumer interests. Investing in interactive content enhances user experience and cultivates brand loyalty by keeping consumers coming back for more. As more brands recognize its impact, interactive content will likely become a staple in tech-enhanced digital marketing strategies.

Incorporating technology into your digital marketing approach is not just an option; staying relevant in today’s market is necessary. Businesses can significantly enhance their marketing strategies by creating personalized experiences, embracing automation, leveraging analytics, and investing in interactive content. These methods improve engagement and bolster conversion rates, ultimately leading to tremendous success. By staying updated, your business can ensure it meets the evolving needs of consumers, setting itself apart from the competition.

Vodafone makes first space video call

Vodafone has successfully made the world’s first space video call using normal 4G/5G smartphones and satellites that will allow multiple users in areas of no mobile coverage to make and receive video calls, access the Internet and use online messaging services. It is the only satellite technology of its kind built to offer a full mobile broadband experience and paves the way for universal digital connectivity and the closure of mobile coverage gaps.

Unlike today’s satellite-based services, users do not need a special dish, terminal or expensive satellite phone to benefit from full mobile broadband connectivity. The service they will receive mirrors the experience of existing 4G and 5G mobile networks, enabling them to use everyday smartphones to switch between space and ground-based networks automatically.

Astronaut Tim Peake and Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Chief Executive, marked this significant milestone at Vodafone’s new space-to-land gateway, which receives and channels all the signals sent from a user’s smartphone via the BlueBird satellites of Vodafone’s partner, AST SpaceMobile. Vodafone engineer Rowan Chesmer put it to the test when he made the historic space-based video call to Margherita from a remote mountainous location in mid-Wales – where there has never been mobile broadband before. Rowan, who joined Vodafone’s graduate scheme in 2017, is now developing cutting-edge satellite technologies that will improve global connectivity.

Margherita Della Valle said: “Vodafone’s job is to get everyone connected, no matter where they are. Our advanced European 5G network will now be complemented with cutting-edge satellite technology. We are bringing customers the best network and connecting people who have never had access to mobile communications before. This will help to close the digital divide, supporting people from all corners of Europe to keep in touch with family and friends, or work, as well as ensuring reliable rural connectivity in an emergency.”

Operating from low Earth orbit, it is the only satellite service in the world today that offers mobile broadband directly to multiple 4G or 5G smartphones by working seamlessly as an extension of Vodafone’s leading land-based networks. Satellite is a complementary, bolt-on technology providing valuable coverage where no feasible mobile or fixed alternative exists at present. Together, the satellite service and terrestrial network will give Europe a communications infrastructure for use in any location, including mountains, or out at sea, at any time, as well as boosting overall resilience.

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

International Cybersecurity Expert to Explore the Disruptive Danger of Disinformation in the Age of AI at Public Lecture

Trinity College Dublin and the ADAPT Research Ireland Centre today announced an upcoming visit of internationally renowned expert in cybersecurity, Professor David J. Hickton of the University of Pennsylvania, in March. Professor Hickton will deliver a public lecture titled: “The Disruptive Danger of Disinformation in the Age of AI” on Wednesday 5th March at 5pm in the Swift Theatre in Trinity College Dublin’s Arts Building.  The event is free and open to the public.  Registration here: https://forms.gle/rSNvsQaJXaccQpd66

Professor Hickton, a former U.S. Attorney and Founding Director of the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Cyber Law, Policy, and Security, will deliver this lecture as part of his March visit to Trinity College Dublin. During his time in Dublin, he will also engage with faculty, researchers, and students along with policymakers and other stakeholders through workshops, guest lectures, and roundtable discussions. During his visit, Professor Hickton will also assume the role of Adjunct Professor in the School of Computer Science and Statistics at Trinity College Dublin.

This timely public lecture will examine the pervasive influence of disinformation in an era defined by rapid technological advances and the rise of generative AI. Professor Hickton will explore the historical roots of disinformation, its role in undermining trust in institutions and science, and the urgent need for global cooperation to address these challenges. The lecture will also discuss potential pathways to address this growing crisis, balancing free speech with the urgent need for regulation.

Professor Hickton’s visit builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed last year between Trinity and the University of Pittsburgh, establishing a partnership to drive innovation in AI safety and governance. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to addressing the complex challenges of the digital age,” said Professor John Kelleher, Director of ADAPT. “We are honoured to welcome Professor Hickton to Dublin and look forward to the rich insights and contributions he will bring.”

To learn more about Professor David Hickton and his work, please visit: https://www.cyber.pitt.edu/people/david-j-hickton-jd

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