Tag: tech

mophie powerstation plus mini review

The mophie powerstation plus mini is a portable premium looking charging bank with 5000mAh of juice packed inside and looks really neat and will fir in any pocket and travel bag.

With a short cable built in you will not have to worry about loosing a cable again which is another handy feature here and the cable is also braided which makes it look better and will be better in the long run.

With the second charging port on the device you can use a second cable to charge two devices at once which is hand for those on the go or just to have at your office desk.

Given they target the Apple product here this works on other USB-C enabled devices such as Android phones earbuds and tablets and we have tested all in the video review down below.

I have tested many powerbanks over the years and this is the most premium one to date that would suit any individual who is worried about their battery running out on their phone or even earbuds as they are the two most popular products we carry with us today and it is ideal for those people and more and affordable and looks premium too.

 

The powerstation plus is your superfast charging solution that fits almost any Apple device. The integrated cables offer up to 20W of PD power, fast charging your compatible devices at the optimal speed. And the compact, stylish powerstation plus fits in any bag and has a sleek look that complements your Apple accessories.

 

Powerful Battery: Contains 5,000 mAh Battery providing at least 1 full charge to your iPhone.

Built-in USB-C cable, 20W PD output: Up to 20W allows you to charge your iPad, or iPhone using the reinforced, integrated USB-C cable.

Cable Management: Keep your cable neat and tidy, while having a ready-to-go solution

Versatile USB-C PD Port with Pass-Thru Charging: Recharge the powerstation plus or use USB-C port to charge your device with pass-thru charging from the wall to the device.

EnduraFlex™ Silicone: Braided outer cable sheath for durability and premium feel, with silicone interior for flexibility and durability. Soft yet pliable!

Heavy-duty, durable braided cable: Carefully designed cable creates optimized strain relief to ensure a long life at the most common failure point. Tested to survive up to 30,000 bends.

BUY

Other Mophie reviews

Video Review

Sound Blaster G8: Versatility Redefined

Creative Technology today proudly announces the release of the Sound Blaster G8, the latest external gaming DAC designed for those seeking a superior listening experience beyond standard audio. Building on the Sound Blaster legacy, the Sound Blaster G8 brings something new to the table as the first external gaming DAC to feature dual USB-C inputs with mixing capabilities, ensuring seamless connectivity for users. Coupled with ultra-high-resolution 32-bit/384 kHz playback and a proprietary Xamp discrete headphone bi-amplifier, the Sound Blaster G8 sets to deliver outstanding audio clarity and precision, making it a must-have for gamers, audio enthusiasts, and content creators.

A New Standard in Audio Performance

The Sound Blaster G8 breaks new ground as the first external gaming DAC to offer dual USB-C inputs with mixing, allowing users to connect two devices—such as a PC and console—at the same time without sacrificing audio quality. This handy feature eliminates the need for additional mixing devices, while keeping the desktop space clutter-free.

Unlike most amplifiers on the market, Creative’s proprietary Xamp discrete headphone bi-amplifier drives the left and right headphone channels individually, resulting in a smoother, more detailed audio experience. Boasting a dynamic range of 130 dB, the Sound Blaster G8 brings music, movies, and games to life, letting every subtle sound and explosive moment be heard with remarkable clarity. Additionally, with the ability to support headphones with an impedance range from 16Ω to 600Ω, the Sound Blaster G8 offers exceptional sound quality and connectivity across any setup, whether for everyday listening or with high-end gear.

The Sound Blaster Advantage

For gamers, the Sound Blaster G8 is more than just a sound card—it’s a tool to gain a competitive edge. With the Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine, users can customize audio settings via the Creative App, tailoring everything to their preferences. The 10-band equalizer allows for precise adjustments, from chest-thumping bass to crystal-clear highs, allowing gamers to create a signature sound profile that matches any gameplay.

On the flip side, the Scout Mode boosts critical audio cues like footsteps, giving players an edge in situational awareness, while CrystalVoice technology ensures clear communication by reducing background noise and echo. Plus, the GameVoice Mix feature makes it hassle-free to balance voice chat and game audio for the perfect in-game experience. Mission-critical controls, including SBX acoustic engine/scout mode, DSP/direct mode, headphone/speaker mode, and Game-Voice Mix, are conveniently located on the top panel for quick access.

All-in-One DAC

Connecting devices to the Sound Blaster G8 is also effortless. Users can easily link their gaming console, mobile device, PC, and more via USB-C, enabling seamless audio mixing and streaming. Adding to that, the HDMI ARC makes it easy to integrate into any console setup. And to sweeten the deal, the Sound Blaster G8 comes with support for Dolby Digital, allowing users to experience an immersive soundstage filled with greater depth and realism.

Lastly, the launch of the Sound Blaster G8 strengthens the Sound Blaster G series, offering a comprehensive line-up of gaming DACs designed to cater to diverse needs. With enhanced connectivity options, the Sound Blaster G8 serves as the ideal upgrade for existing Sound BlasterX users, delivering an elevated audio experience that adapts to every gamer’s setup.

Pricing and Availability

Sound Blaster G8 is priced at GBP129.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit creative.com/SoundBlasterG8

See our creative reviews 

James Dyson Award 2024- final 20 shortlist announced

Today, the James Dyson Award celebrates the best inventions of 2024 by young engineers and designers around the world, as the competition’s Top 20 shortlist is unveiled and in four weeks’ time, on 13th November, someone from this shortlist will be crowned the global winners by Sir James Dyson and win €38,000/ £30,000 in prize money to accelerate their invention.

An Irish woman, Olivia Humphreys, has made the top 20 shortlist this year and is up against some genius inventions to win the top prize.

 The Problem

“ Athena” which has been shortlisted for this year’s James Dyson Award Global Top 20, tackles the problem of current scalp-cooling devices for chemotherapy patients which are not mobile and are scarce in Irish hospitals. Currently there are only a handful across the country meaning many chemo patients do not get the option of using one.

Athena is a portable, thermoelectric battery-operated scalp cooling device for people undergoing chemotherapy treatment which is more cost effective and timesaving than hospital models without compromising on the quality.

Patients can manage the scalp-cooling process themselves- Athena consists of a carry case and a cooling helmet and aims to provide a more accessible, yet effective option for scalp cooling and enables people to spend less time in the hospital on a chemotherapy infusion day.

The Invention

Limerick woman Olivia (24) who is a and recent graduate of the University of Limerick where she studied Product Design and Technology, is now working as a Research and Development Intern at Luminate Medical in Galway working on medical device tech. She was inspired to create Athena having seen her mum go through chemotherapy in hospital a few years ago. Olivia was taken aback by the limited number of scalp-cooling devices available in the hospital as well as the inconvenience of the time it took to commit to this, not being able to move around whilst using industry standard hospital devices, and the time that could be saved with an improved version. This inspired her to create Athena which would be mobile, light to carry and powerful.

Olivia Humphreys now enters the final stage of the James Dyson Award 2024, with global winners to be selected by Sir James Dyson and announced on 13th November. The winning inventions will receive €38,000 to support their further development and commercialisation.

Speaking about Athena, inventor Olivia Humphreys says: “Being recognised by the James Dyson Award has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. It reflects the invaluable input I’ve received from patients and care staff that helped me, along with the passion and hard work I have put in to get it to this point. I am truly grateful to have my project acknowledged on such a big stage. It’s exciting to know that the work I’ve done has the potential to make a real impact, and I’m inspired to keep pushing forward.”

Talking about the design of Athena, Olivia says: “This initial prototype for Athena provided a strong foundation to build upon, and I received valuable feedback on things like how to make it more compact by optimising components like the water tank, pump, and battery. I began refining the design into a smaller, lightweight carry case. As I moved forward, the product designer in me started creating more usability-focused prototypes, experimenting with different headpiece configurations and forms to ensure user comfort. The most exciting aspect of Athena is its potential for further development. My early conversations with engineers have been very positive, filled with discussions about ideas and possible tweaks. It’s exciting, there is a lot to be done!”

OTHER NOTABLE ENTRIES WHO MADE THE TOP 20 INCLUDED:

Pyri (from the UK)

In 2023, wildfires caused over 300 deaths and cost $50bn  globally. Pyri is a bio-inspired and bio-based early wildfire detection system for remote and low-cost widespread coverage. The heat from nascent wildfires activates Pyri’s novel organic electronics which emit a radio frequency signal to alert vulnerable communities. Designed for remote, unprepared, vulnerable communities, and beyond.

These young inventors of Pyri, are a team comprised of Richard Alexandre, Karina Gunadi, Blake Goodwyn and Tanghao Yu (aged between 24 and 33). They met while studying a double masters in Innovation Design Engineering at Imperial College and the Royal College of Art in London. The group came to their course from different backgrounds and with different experiences, making it a dynamic and diverse team.

Having applied for a patent in July 2024, the team at Pyri worked tirelessly to produce over 20 experimental prototypes, testing and re-creating continuously to produce the device they have today. Richard, Blake, Tanghao and Karina worked on numerous iterations of Pyri and spent months working on power and trigger concepts, as well as exploring over 46 material combinations to create this problem-solving invention.

PulpaTronics (from the UK)

Over 40bn RFID tags are produced annually with most ending up in landfills, wasting resources and energy, increasing CO2 emissions and e-waste. PulpaTronics unlocks more sustainable and accessible inventory management solutions utilizing chipless RFID technology featuring fully recyclable paper RFID tags for a more circular economy. Recent graduates and students Barna Soma Biro, Chloe So and Adonis Christodoulou invented PulpaTronics to solve this problem of waste in the fashion industry with a more sustainable solution. O

The novel technology replaces the metal antenna by laser-inducing a carbon-based conductive material onto paper. Using a chipless design, these tags store information in the geometric pattern of the conductor instead of a microchip. The team at PulpaTronics filed a US patent in October 2023 and a UK patent in March 2024 which are currently pending, and they are looking to internationalise them in the near future.

The team at PulpaTronics see their sustainable RFID tags as the vehicle to enable item-level tracking. They will be testing the performance of their tags in a real-world environment through two pilots early next year. Once the two pending patents are approved, they also look to license out the technology so that they can integrate the laser heads directly into the production line, streamlining manufacturing even more to scale up quickly. They are also working towards developing prototype tags to carry out initial trials with a few large retailers.

The Top 20 Shortlist

Invention Solution Inventor(s) Country
Air Ring 48 A helmet cooling accessory to protect construction workers from heat stress. Yu To Mak, Ze Fu Jeff Li, Jing Hymn Joseph Wong Hong Kong SAR
Airxeed Radiosonde A controllable flap to steer a radiosonde back to be reused after weather measurement. Shane Kyi Hla Win, Danial Sufiyan Bin Shaiful Singapore
Athena A portable post-chemotherapy scalp cooling device. Olivia Humphreys Ireland
Cap Snap A medical multi-tool for safe crimp seal cap removal and ampoule breaking. Jack Pugh New Zealand
Co-Jump An ergonomic and AI-based stroke rehabilitation glove. Li Yuanjing, Zhan Jing, Guan Shunzi, Yu Tianlin, Li Junkai, Qian Qingyun, Wei Yi China
Concavix An adaptive mouse for users with underdeveloped hands. Jonathan Lopez Calderon, Raúl Hernandez, María de Lourdes Zaldívar Martínez Mexico
DysphagiaDynamics A portable, non-invasive dysphagia assessment and rehabilitation system. Zhu Zhaopeng, He Qi China
finGrip A catheter system for users with low dexterity or wheelchairs. Philipp Niechoj Austria
Flying ear pressure regulator A pressure-adjusting product that relieves ear discomfort during airplane take-offs and landings. Yi-Shan Zheng, Wen-Yeh Hsaio-Lin Taiwan
Mammosense A mammogram sensor to enhance comfort during breast cancer screenings. Luke Goh Singapore
Moii An Airway Clearance Therapy training kit for adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis. Yuchen Lan Sweden
OcularSky An affordable, smartphone-based fundus camera. Houssam Hammoud, Mohammad Yaman Al Aref, Mohamad Hammoud, Mayar Jabouli, Wessam Shehieb UAE
Oxynizer A non-electric oxygen generator for developing countries. Kyeongho Park, Jiwon Lee, Jiwon Kim, Yeohyun Jung, Seung-Jun Lee South Korea
Peter A wearable biomedical device for Parkinson’s Disease patients with freezing of gait. Jonathan Fisher United Kingdom
PulpaTronics A recyclable paper-based RFID clothing tag. Adonis Christodoulou, Barna Soma Biro, Chloe So United Kingdom
Pyri A bio-inspired and bio-based early wildfire detection system. Richard Alexandre, Karina Gunadi, Blake Goodwyn, Tanghao Yu United Kingdom
Social Plast An affordable plastic recycling system. Johannes Kastner Germany
Sorbet An acoustic panel made from shredded textile waste. Sze Yek Australia
TAILWIND A cooling construction helmet designed to create airflow. Youngki Kim, Jisu Kim, HyeonJun So, Seunghun Jeong South Korea
The Reef An ecological filter to counteract blue-green algae boom in water bodies. Anton Vervoort Belgium

emporia SMART.6 lite smartphone review

The emporia SMART.6 lite smartphone is one of their latest devices to their portfolio of simple to use phones for the older generation amongst us which is great as technology is now being embraced by such and not only that some situations in life now require such devices at hand to do certain things.

emporia have been leaders in this area with smartphones offering a variety of easy to use devices in which takes away the convoluted mess people have to go through for setting up and more and making it simple to use and set up to each individual’s requirements without the hassle of too many settings and sub-menus.

They do however have a newer model which is the ME.6 which needs to be mentioned for a more seasoned elderly user that allows both the true Android user experience and not only that reverts to the simple menu emporia are renowned for and this device is again a simpler version of the SMART.6

Now I am fortunate enough to get to test the best phones on the market costing up to two grand and more and even for a seasoned poweruser all year round with several devices in use at one time or on rotation I often get frustrated with such phones with all the menus and sub menus and finding things people need and have to look for but with emporia phones this is not the case with this and other models.

I would put the SMART6.Lite in the mid range with the pricing and specs here overall it has all the features you would expect on any other smartphone but simplified to a simple menu structure and again comes with a cool leather cover case with a visible screen and 4 main keys and once you open the cover you have 4 options present which of course can be changed by pressing and holding to select whatever suits you better and do check the emporia coach app which needs to be installed.

On the homescreen you will see a settings icon swipe left for contacts and emergency options and swipe right for your favourite apps and swipe right for you full list of favourites now these can be changed when you add your own apps and on the bottom right you can see and all apps folder and then these can be used as shortcuts.

The smartcover can be changed to functions/favourites or turned off but I highly suggest it is used even at default settings and it is going with the company’s ethos keeping it simple and you should look at the accessibility menu here for more.

The triple lens camera has a 13MP main camera with depth of field and macro for fantastic photos using the easy camera App, or you can use the Pro-Camera App . The 8mp selfie camera on the front brings fun snaps every day and is ready for WhatsApp video calls.The camera is ok in mostly yielding better results on outdoor settings in the daytime you can see samples taken by me below on the best settings if you are one that still likes to take photos which would be the case for family gatherings and so on for the older gen these days and from a typical user the camera is fine but will not win awards for the usual expectations you would see on more expensive devices which is fine as in my experience these days with the older folk including my father is not to pushed on taking photos but just looking at them online or what has been sent to him on WhatsApp and so on.

Image and video samples

There is a One touch Panic button on the back in the camera array which you will add a number to on the homescreen by swiping left as mentioned above and can be used to keep you safe at night or used as a quick access key for your camera or the handy torch.

 

Overall for me this is a well built device offering the basics and more for the older generation keeping things simple you are not getting the bells and whistles you may find on other phones here but this is not intended for that market and it can easily do your daily tasks and more.

As a long time user of emporia products and putting them to real world testing loaded with my app collection multitasking and more these are the best devices on offer for those wanting more and going forward will need more for certain tasks in life and my own father has switched some time ago from his much loved Nokia phones to an emporia device I gave to him and to be fair he has not much patience with smartphones but I get it like his friends and neighbours they just want things kept simple and empora is the way forward if you are moving up from a dumbphone or feature phone for the first time.

Specs

 

  • 4G smartphone with 5.45″ HD screen
  • Award winning emporia easy to use interface (switchable to standard android)
  • Smart cover with 4 interactive buttons for key features (including use of Camera / calls & torch)
  • Easy charging cradle included
  • NFC for contactless payments and real-time blood glucose monitoring
  • Finger print reader for biometric security
  • Physical panic button for personal security
  • 6GB RAM & 128GB RAM (Expandable with micro SD card)
  • Octa-core 1.8GHz processor processor
  • Triple lense 13MP main camera with 8mp selfie camera
  • Height: 147 mm Depth 9mm

BUY 

Other emporia reviews

Unboxing and UI walkthrough

Getting to Grips with Mobile Gametech

Wow, has mobile gaming changed. Over the decades, it’s transformed from peripheral entertainment niche into enormously significant and lucrative sector within both the mobile app and gaming ecosystems. For several years now, mobile games have generated over half of all global gaming revenues, outperforming both the incumbent console and PC markets – impressive in our eyes, at least!

According to a recent report by Statista, the mobile gaming industry is forecast to hit a value of over $118 billion in 2027 – truly underscoring its dominant status in gaming. 

And the success of mobile gaming is no mere trend! It’s a result of technology utterly transforming the gaming landscape. Exciting advancements in tons of different areas – mobile hardware, software development, and operational tech – have rewritten our sense of what’s possible. Nowadays, you can use your phone to enjoy the kind of experience that you’d once only have expected on high-end consoles and PCs. Plus, have you seen the sheer scale of games available for mobile these days? Cards, bingo, slots, poker, adventures, horror, and more. Users can access everything from casino games to esports tournaments on their smartphones. Want to try your hand at slots or poker without having to do more than pick up your phone and open an app? You can enjoy super high-end graphics and gorgeous functionality in today’s mobile casino games, all from your smartphone! It’s one very clear marker of just how far we’ve come.

And sure, there are plenty of other genres that your mobile can handle, but there’s no question that digital casino games are especially well-suited to this format – supported by their popularity today.

The Mobile Gametech Ecosystem

To fully grasp how mobile gaming thrives, it’s crucial to dissect the technologies that sustain it. The mobile gametech ecosystem can be broadly categorised into three domains: Development, Consumer Tech, and Operations. 

Development

Development is at the heart of any gaming experience, and for mobile developers, the landscape is more competitive than ever. From casual commute-friendly games to AAA multiplayer titles, there’s an ever-increasing demand for new mobile experiences, which makes development tech that can handle the demand essential. 

Consumer Tech

Of course, all the development technologies in the world wouldn’t make a difference if it weren’t for devices. What else would we play the games on? The latest smartphones now come equipped with faster processors, stronger GPUs, and RAM aplenty, making it possible for developers to create games that were once only feasible on games consoles. 

Connectivity also takes a pivotal position in the mobile gametech ecosystem. As controversial as it remains, 5G has been a boon for mobile gamers, offering low latency and lightning-fast download speeds. 

Operations: Monetization, Data, and Maintenance

The operational side of mobile gaming is also crucial to the ecosystem. This includes everything from backend infrastructure to player engagement techniques.

A Deep Dive into Mobile Game Engines

Most app developers today are increasingly turning towards using game engines. It will surprise absolutely no one that using the right software to develop a gaming app is key, but did you know it can make the difference between a mediocre title cluttering up the app stores and a standout hit everyone wants to try? Developers need engines that aren’t just robust, but also flexible enough to handle the unique challenges of the mobile platform – which are not insignificant! 

What is a Mobile Game Engine?

A mobile game engine is essentially a software framework designed to simplify game development. These frameworks provide the necessary tools to create, manage, and optimise all the elements of a game – not just graphics, but also sound and networking. When creating mobile gaming apps, a game engine can be used to render graphics and manage the game’s underlying logic, which ensures a seamless experience across all mobile devices. 

The Best Mobile Game Engines

There are several game engines in existence and, while none are exclusively designed solely for mobile development, a number do stand out for their adaptable feature sets, which make them ideal for the sector. The likes of Unity and Unreal are the market leaders, but don’t stop with them. There are also a couple of up-and-coming tools that deserve your consideration!

Unity

Perhaps the most popular engine for desktop and console games, but that’s not all! It also ranks highly in the mobile world. If you’re creating 2D or 3D mobile games, it’s excellent, and it’s also versatile and super easy to use. Plus, cross-platform capabilities! They mean that developers can build for Android, iOS, Windows, and more at the same time – definitely a win. 

Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine, developed by Epic Games, counts as another major player here. Sure, it’s better known for AAA console and PC games, but does that mean it’s useless for mobile games? No! Its powerful visual scripting tool called Blueprints lets developers build games without needing to write a single line of code, opening up options for folks everywhere. 

Godot

Free and open-source, Godot is swiftly gaining popularity. Like the engines above, it supports 2D and 3D game development, but it’s much more lightweight than Unreal, which makes it ideal for creating mobile games that are compatible with less powerful devices. 

Cocos2d-x

Popular among developers creating 2D and indie games, Cocos2d-x is a lightweight, open-source engine. It’s widely used in the Asian markets, particularly during the development of hypercasual and puzzle games. However, thanks to its support for Android, iOS and Windows, it’s becoming more popular with developers in the UK and Europe. 

 

SKROSS travel accessories review

Going on some trips soon or just need some new accessories to power you on the go or at home SKROSS travel accessories might be a place to check out and we have some of their products here to show you today.

Below is a list of products ideal for those who want that bit more and affordable and ideal for the home or office and most importantly those who travel quite often with more than one gadget at hand.

See the full video review below for more.

PRO Light USB AC45PD – World

Features 

  • The compact universal 3 pin travel adapter with built-in fast charging USB PD charger (1 x USB C and 1 x USB). The PRO Light USB AC45PD – World ensures easy and secure connection of 2- and 3-pin devices from around the world to more than 200 destinations.
  • The power is up to 1750W, so you can connect even powerful devices such as laptops or travel hair dryers.
  • The dual USB port provides enough power to easily charge two USB devices (1 x USB C and 1 x standard USB device), even if another device is connected via the high-performance adapter at the same time. The built-in USB-C port charges laptops and other devices super fast!
  • Input plug: Switzerland, Italy, Brazil, UK, USA/Japan, Australia/China, Europe (Schuko and Euro 2-pin) Output plug: USA, UK, Australia/China, Europe (Schuko)
  • Input voltage: 100-250V AC, 50/60Hz maximum. Load: 7A Rated Power: 100V AC – 700W / 250V – 1750W Replaceable Fuse: T 7A 1 x USB Type-C Output: 5.0V DC/Max. 3.0A, Max 15.0W, 9.0V DC/Max Max 3.0A 27.0 W, 15.0 V DC/max. Max 3.0A 45.0 W, 20.0 V DC / Max. Max 2.25A 45.0W 1 USB Type A Output: 5.0V DC/Max. 2.4A Max 12.0 W, 9.0 V DC / max. 2.22A Max 20.0W – Dual Port Output (A+C): 5.0V DC/Max. 4.8 A, (24.0 W) split. Does not convert voltage

BUY

 

Power Charger 65W PD UK

Features

  • GAN network charger with 2-ship 65 W European socket: small and powerful, 65 W PD top up of 3 USB devices (2 x USB C, 1 x USB A).
  • This ultra-compact and high-performance USB-C 65-W-PD from Skross guarantees
  • Using Power Delivery (PD), it can easily be able to feed laptops, smartphones, tablets, audio devices and much more on ultra tarpaulin. Characterized by ultra-root dimensions that use the latest GAN technology.
  • Technical specifications: USB 1 x USB Type-C1 (PD) Exit: 5.0 V CC / Max. 3.0A, 9.0V CC/Max. 3.0 A, 12.0 V CC/Max. 3.0 A, 15.0 V CC/Max. 3.0 A, 20.0 V CC/Max. 3.25A, Massimo 65.0 W 1 x USB Type C2 (PD) Output: 5.0 V CC / Max. 2.4A, 9.0V CC/Max. 2.22 A, 12.0 V CC/Max. 1.67A, Massimo 20.0 W
  • USB output: max. Total 65.0 W – Input: 100 V – 240 V, 50/60 Hz, 1.5 A – Weight: 88 g – Dimensions: l 42 mm at 60 mm p 30 mm

BUY 

 

USB-C – USB-C Cable Fast Charging

Features

Charges and synchronises all USB devices with USB Type-C ports

Fits with many Android and New iPhone smartphones on the market
Reinforced jacket on Type-C Connectors
100W Power Delivery Support
Various cable lengths available!

Google TV streamer 4k review

The Google TV streamer is the latest addition to their product portfolio this year and a welcome upgrade too with more storage (32GB) and RAM and 22% faster on offer this time and a big design change from the old chromecast we all know and love.

This time around it is not a small box that plugs into the back of your TV but one that sits on the TV stand or nearby and this time you also get an ethernet port if you want a solid connection.

This also comes with Matter so you can connect any other compatible device to have on one hub along with your desired content all in one place so for example if you have google home and several devices you can have these on your TV which is excellent however you cant respond to your doorbell for example if it rings but you can still see all your cameras there which for me is ideal as I an an entrenched user of Google products and others.

The remote control has also changed slightly this time and ha s a custom key on it which I have set up for google home, voice commands work much better now and overall the UI of the product is excellent as you will see in a detailed video review below.

On setting up you will see a list of apps and then you select what is required if not on screen just download basically you are putting all your subs into one place or any favourite that doesnt cost.

You have AI built in of course with AI overviews and suggestions and of course the regular AI features like what’s the weather or find a movie all which we are accustomed to at this stage.

There is a sports hub too if your are into that and you get Google Free play so there is plenty here to get started if you want to embrace on a new smart home if you have not already and for those who have not would find themselves wanting more if you had a hub like this to have an entire ecosystem at home which for me is the best way to have it.

If you lose your remote do not worry as there are several ways now to find it one being the button on the back of the hub by voice or on the home app.

IN short here again if you are using an entire Google Ecosystem this is certainly what you need in one hub and anything else in one place it is a must have.

Check the video below for a look at what you get it is cool.

 

Features 

  • Everything you stream on one screen.
  • Your entertainment, built around you.
  • Unlock 4K with cinematic visuals and immersive surround sound.
  • A big leap in performance and connectivity.
  • Better comfort and convenience with a redesigned voice remote.
  • Making your smart home smarter.
  • Thoughtfully designed to feel at home.

Other Google reviews 

BUY

Video Review

CASEKOO MAGICSTAND case for iPhone 16 review

The CASEKOO MAGICSTAND case for iPhone 16 is one of their new cases on offer for the new iPhone 16 line up.

With CASEKOO you get two packs of stickers in the box which is more than most and more aimed at the younger folk out there.

The case adds additional grip it has tactile keys and also a 360 degree rotating magicstand on the rear which also adds more security by putting your finger through it when in use on the street.

This also means you can watch content with the device either vertically or horizontally which is great and no need to remove the case especially if you have stands at home or in the office to mount it on.

There is a nice lip on the front so the device can be placed face down and the camera area is also protected well which overall gives your phone great protection.

Quality Materials

Made from high-quality materials, the case is durable and resistant to yellowing over time. It adds a layer of sophistication to your iPhone while ensuring long-lasting protection.

MagSafe Compatible

Charge your iPhone effortlessly without removing the case. The Magic Stand Series is compatible with wireless charging and magsafe accessories, making it convenient for your on-the-go lifestyle.

Innovative MagicStand Feature

Experience hands-free convenience with the built-in stand feature. Effortlessly prop up your iPhone in both portrait and landscape modes for an optimal viewing experience.

BUY

Other CASEKOO reviews

Video Review

Spectrum.Life Surpasses 300 Employees and Eyes Growth to 500 by End of 2025 

Spectrum.Life, a leading Irish whole-of-health digital partner, today announced plans to add 200 new colleagues in the coming months, growing its workforce to 500 employees by the end of 2025. The roles will be for jobs across the UK, Ireland and remote.

The announcement was made at Enterprise Ireland’s UK and Irish Business Leaders Dinner hosted by Ambassador Fraser on October 8 at the Embassy of Ireland in London.

On the back of the company’s rapid expansion in the UK, the company recently surpassed the milestone of 300 employees. This considerable expansion solidifies its position as a key player in the rapidly evolving HealthTech industry.

A significant portion of these new roles will be remote, spanning various sectors, including clinical positions, senior leadership, and business development, and contributing positively to local economies across Ireland and the UK. This expansion underscores Spectrum.Life’s strategic focus on harnessing the rich talent pools in both markets, further establishing the company as a dominant force in the HealthTech industry.

“We are incredibly proud of our talented team and the impact they make every day. Our commitment to job creation in Ireland and the UK reflects our vision of leading the HealthTech industry driven by both our people and our innovative solutions that save and improve lives. As we expand, Spectrum.Life remains steadfast in its mission to revolutionise digital mental health. This journey isn’t just about growth – it’s about transforming and saving lives. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, we differentiate ourselves, building a brighter future for our clients, employees, and communities, and solidifying our position as a leader in HealthTech innovation,” said Stephen Costello, Co-founder and CEO of Spectrum.Life.

Attending the Irish Business Leaders Dinner in London, Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland said: “Across the UK and Ireland, Spectrum.Life is providing digital mental health and wellbeing support to thousands of organisations. The addition of these 200 roles across the UK, Ireland and globally will support the company’s growth trajectory as more organisations adopt health tech solutions. Enterprise Ireland has supported Spectrum.Life since its beginning, supporting with investment, international growth and R&D projects.”

Spectrum.Life’s growth is further demonstrated by the expansion of its cutting-edge digital gym network, with a flagship location in Dublin, now joined by a second hub in Manchester. The new UK facility plays a pivotal role in in the company’s strategic growth, enhancing its ability to serve clients across both Ireland and the UK. Positioned as a key centre for content creation and client collaboration, the Manchester site is integral to meeting the rising demand for Spectrum.Life’s services in both markets.

In the face of Brexit challenges, Spectrum.Life has turned potential obstacles into opportunities. With a strong export strategy underpinned by innovative solutions and a customer-focused approach, the company continues to thrive internationally, reinforcing the connection between Ireland and the UK.

Spectrum.Life’s growth story also serves as a testament to the success fostered by Enterprise Ireland, highlighting the organisation’s crucial support in establishing Ireland as a global leader in HealthTech and technological advancement.