Tag: Video

Is Video Gaming Becoming More Expensive?

Gaming used to be simple. Buy a console, pick up a few games, and you were set for years. Now? The costs keep stacking up in ways that weren’t there before.

Console prices have climbed. The PlayStation 5 launched at £449 for the standard edition. The Xbox Series X hit shelves at £479. That’s before you factor in extra controllers, storage upgrades, or any games. And games themselves aren’t getting cheaper either.

In 2023, the average retail price for a physical video game in the UK sat at £35.70. New releases for current-gen consoles often push past £60. Add in season passes, downloadable content, and microtransactions, and a single game can cost well over £100 if you want the full experience.

Then there are subscriptions. PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass, Nintendo Switch Online. Each one adds another monthly or yearly fee. Sure, you get access to libraries of games, but those costs add up month after month. What used to be a one-time purchase now becomes a recurring expense.

Cheaper Ways to Play

Not everyone wants to drop £500 on a console and £60 per game. Alternatives exist if you know where to look.

Free-to-play games dominate now. Fortnite, Apex Legends, Warzone. These games cost nothing upfront and provide hundreds of hours of entertainment. Yes, they push cosmetics and battle passes, but you can ignore all that and still play the full game.

Mobile gaming offers another route. Your phone can handle impressive games now. Some are free, some cost a few quid. It’s not the same experience as console gaming, but it’s gaming nonetheless without the hardware investment.

PC gaming has its own costs, but platforms like Steam run constant sales. Games that cost £50 at launch drop to £10 or less within a year. Patient gamers can build massive libraries for a fraction of console prices.

Browser-based games have improved too. You don’t need powerful hardware. No downloads, no storage concerns. Just open a tab and play. The quality varies, but options exist for every type of player.

The iGaming Alternative

New casino operators offer a different type of gaming experience entirely. These platforms provide entertainment through slots, table games, and live dealer options. Many include welcome bonuses and promotions that stretch your budget further than buying full-price video games.

The appeal is different from traditional gaming. It’s not about completing campaigns or ranking up. It’s about the experience itself, the variety of games available, and the social elements some platforms provide. For people who want gaming entertainment without investing in expensive hardware, it’s worth considering.

iGaming platforms work on almost any device. No console required. No storage issues. No waiting for downloads. You log in and play. The barrier to entry is lower, which matters when console gaming keeps getting more expensive.

The Hidden Costs Keep Growing

Storage is another expense most people don’t see coming. Modern games are massive. Call of Duty titles regularly exceed 100GB. Storage fills up fast, especially on base console models. Upgrading means buying expensive SSDs that can cost as much as some games themselves.

Accessories pile on too. Want a second controller for local multiplayer? That’s another £50 to £60. Headsets, charging docks, protective cases. The little things add up faster than you’d think.

The cost of developing games has skyrocketed, with major releases requiring budgets between £50 million to £100 million or more. These development costs inevitably get passed down to consumers through higher game prices and more aggressive monetization strategies.

Online multiplayer used to be free on most platforms. Now you need a subscription just to play with friends. Cross-play features, cloud saves, monthly free games. They’re nice perks, but they come at a price that didn’t exist in previous console generations.

Subscriptions That Actually Save Money

Not all gaming subscriptions drain your wallet. Some provide real value if you use them properly.

Xbox Game Pass gives you access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee. If you play even two or three games from the library each month, you’re saving money compared to buying them outright. Day-one releases for major titles make it even better value.

PlayStation Plus has tiers now. The basic tier just covers online play. The higher tiers include game libraries similar to Game Pass. Whether it’s worth it depends on how much you play and what games interest you.

EA Play costs less than most subscriptions and includes sports titles, which are some of the most expensive annual releases. If you play FIFA or Madden every year, the subscription pays for itself quickly.

The key is picking one subscription that matches your gaming habits instead of paying for multiple services you don’t fully use.

The Real Question

Is gaming more expensive now? Yes. Video game software prices have climbed. Game prices have increased. Subscriptions add recurring costs. Storage, accessories, and DLC pile on even more expenses.

But options exist. Free-to-play games, sales, subscriptions, mobile gaming, and alternatives like iGaming platforms give people choices. You don’t have to spend £500 on a console and £60 per game to enjoy gaming anymore.

The expensive path is still there if you want the latest hardware and newest releases. But budget-conscious gamers have more alternatives now than ever before. Pick what fits your wallet and how you actually want to play.

Magcubic L018 Native 1080P 650ANSI Projector Review

The Magcubic L018 is a budget projector on offer compared to more expensive models out there and gives you a good idea of what to expect and a great starter projector and great for kids offering a big screen it has a decent feature set at a low price point. It comes with a native 1080P resolution, 650 ANSI lumens of brightness, and smart features like auto-focus and a built-in Android 11 OS and not seen on cheaper models it has auto and manual keystone correction.

Design & Build Quality

The L018 has a compact, portable design with a unique 360° rotating stand. This stand is a standout feature, offering exceptional flexibility for projecting onto a wall, ceiling, or floor without needing a tripod but it does also allow a tripod if you need one with the hole on the underside of the base. The build feels solid for a budget device, and its lightweight nature makes it easy to move around your home or take on the go.

Picture Quality & Brightness

The projector’s “1080P” resolution is a significant advantage over many similarly priced competitors that only support 1080P but project at a lower resolution. This results in a sharp, clear image with visible detail. However, it’s important to manage expectations, as the picture quality is still that of a budget device. Best used in dark rooms with the right background or projector screen as tested in this review in the day not so great as most budget projectors are.

The advertised 650 ANSI lumens is a key selling point. In reality, while the projector is bright for its class, it performs best in a dark room. It can project a usable image in a dim room, but ambient light will significantly wash out colors and contrast. This is a common trade-off for budget projectors and the L018 is no exception.

Smart Features and Usability

One of the most appealing aspects of the L018 is its ease of use. The auto-focus and auto keystone correction work surprisingly well, quickly getting the image sharp and straight with minimal effort. While the system can occasionally be slightly off, a minor manual adjustment usually fixes it. The integrated Android 11 system provides a seamless experience for streaming, allowing you to access apps like YouTube and Netflix directly without an external device. However, some users report issues with the app store and certain official streaming apps.

The inclusion of dual-band Wi-Fi 6 is a welcome feature, providing a fast and stable connection for streaming. The Bluetooth 5.2 support is also a plus, letting you connect to external speakers or headphones for better audio, which is recommended as the built-in speakers are adequate but not particularly impressive due to the settings on board and no settings as such to adjust the sound as you will see in the video review the sound will differ depending on how you set the screen type. You can also cast to this in several ways which again makes it more appealing.

The Magcubic L018 1080P 650ANSI Projector offers an excellent balance of features and performance for its price. It’s an ideal choice for a user looking for a portable, all-in-one entertainment solution for movie nights, backyard gatherings, or a dedicated screen in a bedroom. The auto-focus and Android 11 system make it incredibly convenient and user-friendly.

This again as mentioned an ideal starter projector to give you an idea there can be input lag if gaming however most people use these for movies I would also suggest connecting an external speaker better audio all round other than that for the price you cant go wrong really.

Features

  • Delivers ultra-bright visuals with 650 ANSI lumens, providing clear and vibrant images even in daylight. Whether you’re using it indoors or outdoors, this projector ensures consistent picture quality for all your movie nights or business needs.
  • Supports 4K and 1080p resolution playback, letting you enjoy crystal-clear video content with rich detail and color. Whether streaming your favorite shows or gaming, it brings high-definition quality to every frame for an immersive experience.
  • Features auto focus and keystone correction for a hassle-free setup every time. The projector automatically adjusts the image for clarity and alignment, even when positioned at an angle, so you get a perfect picture in seconds without manual effort.
  • Powered by Android 11 OS, this smart projector gives you instant access to popular apps like YouTube, Netflix, and more. Enjoy smooth navigation, fast app launches, and full entertainment freedom without needing a separate streaming device.
  • Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity ensures quick and stable pairing with wireless audio gear like Bluetooth speakers or headphones. Enhance your viewing with premium sound, whether watching solo or entertaining guests in your home or backyard.
  • Compact and lightweight design makes this projector incredibly portable. Whether you’re camping, traveling, or hosting a backyard movie night, it’s easy to pack and carry. Enjoy cinematic viewing anywhere with plug-and-play convenience.
  • Offers wide device compatibility with multiple input options like HDMI, USB, and Wi-Fi. Connect laptops, gaming consoles, or flash drives easily. The built-in high-quality speakers also deliver crisp audio, eliminating the need for external sound systems.

BUY

Other Projector Reviews 

Video Review

How Irish Schools Are Leading Europe’s Digital Education Revolution

Ireland’s education system stands at a fascinating crossroads where traditional excellence meets digital innovation. With the government’s Digital Strategy for Schools pushing significant investment into educational technology, Irish classrooms are transforming rapidly. This shift isn’t merely about adding tablets and interactive whiteboards; it’s about fundamentally reimagining how teaching resources can enhance learning outcomes for Ireland’s 570,000 primary and 370,000 secondary students.

The recent OECD reports position Ireland above the European average for digital literacy, yet our teachers consistently report needing better resources to maintain this advantage. The challenge isn’t accessing technology—it’s finding quality educational materials that align with the Irish curriculum whilst leveraging digital capabilities effectively. From Dublin’s tech-forward schools to rural communities in Donegal, educators are discovering that the right blend of digital teaching resources and traditional Irish pedagogical strengths creates exceptional learning environments.

The Irish Curriculum Meets Digital Innovation

The Irish education system’s unique features—including the emphasis on critical thinking in the Leaving Certificate and the integrated approach of Aistear for early years—require specialised resources that generic international platforms often miss. Irish teachers need materials that respect our educational philosophy whilst embracing technological possibilities. LearningMole, developed by educators who understand these nuances, demonstrates how teaching resources can bridge traditional Irish educational values with modern digital engagement, offering curriculum-aligned content that works seamlessly in Irish classrooms.

The Primary School Curriculum’s spiral approach, where concepts are revisited with increasing complexity, demands resources that can adapt across year levels. Digital platforms excel here, allowing teachers to access differentiated materials instantly. For instance, when teaching Irish history, educators can combine interactive timelines, primary source documents, and video content to bring events like the Easter Rising or the Great Famine to life in ways that static textbooks never could. These multi-modal approaches particularly benefit Ireland’s growing population of EAL (English as Additional Language) students, now representing over 12% of primary enrolments.

Addressing Ireland’s Unique Educational Challenges

Ireland faces specific educational challenges that technology-enhanced resources can help address. The teacher shortage, particularly acute in STEM subjects, means schools need resources that can support less experienced teachers or those teaching outside their specialisation. Geographic disparities between urban and rural schools create different resource needs—whilst Dublin schools might focus on coding and robotics, schools in the Gaeltacht regions need resources supporting Irish language immersion.

The integration of technology in Irish schools has accelerated dramatically since 2020, with the Department of Education investing over €210 million in digital infrastructure. However, infrastructure alone doesn’t improve education. Teachers report that finding quality, curriculum-appropriate digital resources remains their biggest challenge. Video-based learning platforms that offer structured, curriculum-mapped content help teachers maximise their technology investments whilst ensuring consistent educational quality across all classrooms.

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) schools, serving Ireland’s most disadvantaged communities, particularly benefit from comprehensive digital resources. These schools often struggle with resource budgets, making subscription-based platforms that provide unlimited access to quality materials particularly valuable. When every student can access the same high-quality resources regardless of their family’s economic situation, it helps level Ireland’s educational playing field.

Video Link

The Celtic Tiger’s Cubs: Preparing Ireland’s Digital Generation

Today’s Irish students—the children and grandchildren of the Celtic Tiger era—inhabit a fundamentally different world than previous generations. Tech companies employ over 200,000 people in Ireland, making digital literacy not just educational enrichment but economic necessity. Schools must prepare students for careers in companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple, all with significant Irish operations, whilst also maintaining Ireland’s renowned strengths in literature, arts, and humanities.

This balance requires teaching resources that integrate technology naturally rather than treating it as separate from traditional subjects. When studying Yeats, students might create digital presentations exploring his influence on Irish identity. Mathematics lessons can incorporate coding exercises that demonstrate practical applications. Science experiments can be documented through video, developing both scientific method understanding and digital communication skills.

“Educational technology should enhance rather than replace traditional teaching strengths,” notes Michelle Connolly, founder of LearningMole and former teacher with over 15 years of classroom experience. This philosophy resonates particularly strongly in Ireland, where educational traditions run deep whilst innovation drives the economy forward.

Supporting Irish Language Education Through Technology

The preservation and promotion of Irish language education remains a national priority, with technology offering new possibilities for engagement. Digital resources can make Irish more accessible and relevant to students who might otherwise struggle with traditional teaching methods. Interactive games, video content with native speakers, and virtual connections with Gaeltacht schools help bring the language alive.

Resource platforms supporting bilingual education help teachers seamlessly integrate Irish across the curriculum, not just in dedicated Irish lessons. This integrated approach aligns with the government’s 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language, which emphasises making Irish a living language in schools rather than merely an academic subject.

Measuring Success: Ireland’s Educational Metrics

Irish schools excel in international assessments, consistently ranking among Europe’s top performers in literacy and above average in numeracy. However, maintaining this position requires continuous resource investment and innovation. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) emphasises the importance of formative assessment and student-centred learning—approaches that quality teaching resources must support.

Digital resources offering built-in assessment tools help teachers track progress more effectively than traditional methods. Real-time data about student understanding allows for immediate intervention, preventing small gaps from becoming significant problems. This data-driven approach particularly benefits preparing students for standardised tests whilst maintaining Ireland’s broader educational values.

The Path Forward for Irish Education

As Ireland continues developing its knowledge economy, educational resources must evolve accordingly. The integration of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and adaptive learning technologies presents opportunities that Irish schools are beginning to explore. However, successful implementation requires careful selection of resources that align with Irish educational values whilst pushing boundaries appropriately.

Schools report that professional development around resource utilisation significantly impacts success. When teachers understand how to integrate digital resources effectively, student engagement and outcomes improve markedly. This investment in teacher training, coupled with quality resources, positions Irish education to maintain its international reputation whilst preparing students for futures we can barely imagine.

Practical Implementation for Irish Schools

Irish schools implementing comprehensive digital resource strategies should consider several factors specific to our educational context. Budget allocations through capitation grants mean careful resource selection is crucial. Subscription models that serve entire schools often provide better value than individual resource purchases. Resources must work reliably on the infrastructure available—not all Irish schools have high-speed broadband despite ongoing improvements.

The collaborative culture in Irish education means resources supporting teacher sharing and adaptation prove particularly valuable. When teachers can modify materials for their specific contexts whilst sharing improvements with colleagues, the entire system benefits.

Video Link

Conclusion

Ireland’s education system stands poised to lead Europe in demonstrating how traditional educational excellence and digital innovation can work together. The key lies not in choosing between traditional and digital approaches but in selecting resources that honour Irish educational values whilst embracing technological possibilities. As Irish schools continue this digital transformation, the focus must remain on what matters most: improving outcomes for every student across our island.

Success requires continued investment, thoughtful resource selection, and commitment to maintaining Ireland’s educational strengths whilst building new capabilities. With the right teaching resources and support, Irish schools can prepare students who are equally comfortable discussing Joyce and JavaScript, who understand both Celtic mythology and machine learning, and who carry forward Ireland’s educational excellence into the digital age.

For more information about curriculum-aligned teaching resources that support Irish educators, visit LearningMole at https://www.learningmole.com

 

Geotab’s New AI Dash Cam Slashes Risky Driving Behaviours by Up to 95% with In Cab Verbal Alerts

Geotab, a global leader in connected vehicle solutions and asset management, today announced the launch of the GO Focus Plus AI dash cam and its new video intelligence platform. The dual-facing dash cam, which will be available to Geotab’s Irish customers, is designed to address a critical industry need by delivering proactive, in-cab support that helps drivers self-correct risky habits.
In a recent large pilot, the voice coaching functionality helped reduce tailgating by 90% and phone use by 95%. The new solution empowers fleets to improve driver safety by delivering instant, highly accurate voice feedback to drivers, while also providing fleet managers with a new coaching workflow to help deliver targeted and effective training. This system turns every alert into a coaching opportunity, aiming to prevent accidents and create a measurable impact on fleet safety culture.
The transportation industry is at a crucial juncture. In Ireland between 2019 and 2023, HGVs were involved in 11% of all fatal collisions on Irish roads. A recent Geotab survey noted that drivers believe there is an increase in driving accidents, with 66% of Irish drivers having considered leaving the profession in the year prior. Commercial drivers face long hours, unpredictable conditions, stress and wellness challenges, and even unfair blame in incidents. At the same time, fleet managers are dealing with rising costs, the vital need to keep their workforce safe, and the need to protect the company’s reputation. These challenges have a profound human and financial impact, directly affecting driver well-being, business vitality, and the safety of our shared roads.
“We believe the safest fleet is a well-supported fleet,” said Charlie Elliott, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Marketplace at Geotab. “Our new video intelligence platform and the GO Focus Plus AI dash cam are a direct investment in supporting the driver and their safety. By uniting the power of video with Geotab data intelligence, we are providing drivers with an in-cab partner that helps them correct risks instantly. This system empowers fleet managers to move beyond reactive incident review and instead foster a culture of safety that protects their most valuable asset, which is their people.”
Key Features of the GO Focus Plus
  • Proactive Driver Coaching: The AI dash cam provides instant, in-cab voice prompts to drivers when risky behaviors like distracted driving (e.g., phone use, fatigue) or tailgating, are detected, helping them correct habits.
  • Targeted Fleet Management: AI-driven video intelligence surfaces the most urgent risks and repeat patterns for quick review, eliminating the need for fleet managers to sort through extensive footage. Each alert includes video and contextual data, enabling targeted and effective coaching.
  • Seamless Workflow and Safety Culture: The MyGeotab platform allows for a seamless workflow, including the assignment, tracking, and recognition of progress, reinforcing a strong culture of safety within the fleet.
Utilizing AI for precision the Geotab GO Focus Plus minimizes false alerts and streamlines the coaching process for fleet managers
Improve Fleet Safety with Geotab’s Evolving AI Video Intelligence Platform
Geotab’s video intelligence platform is built to continuously evolve. Its advanced AI models refine detection and coaching automatically with every update, ensuring fleets always have the smartest, sharpest tools to stay ahead of risk without extra administrative work. The platform’s open architecture is designed to support a growing family of advanced cameras, with new models and capabilities planned in the coming months.
The new video intelligence platform, with the GO Focus Plus AI dash cam, represents a significant step forward in Geotab’s commitment to fleet safety, uniting driving data and video, to deliver a complete picture of risk and a path for improvement. It marks the next chapter for Geotab, dedicated to helping fleets create safer roads and a stronger, more supportive operation.
Learn more about the GO Focus Plus and Geotab’s new Video Intelligence Platform on their website.

Lero and Logitech join forces to engage in a €2.5M research project

The University of Limerick based software research centre, Lero, is to collaborate on a new multi-year research project, which will involve the testing of 2,000 top video gamers in partnership with gaming computer peripherals giant Logitech G, to better understand how computer gamers train and compete.

Logitech gaming innovation engineer Niall White said: “This €2.5 million four-year partnership with Lero builds on previous research projects with Lero, which have yielded positive results and enabled the company to gain an edge in the global video game industry.

“Lero are the best in the business at this type of software research, and the outputs from this project will help us design and create new gaming products for augmenting gaming performance – mouse, headsets, keyboards and controllers, for example.”

The research partnership extension signals Logitech G’s continued dedication to advancing the industry’s scientific knowledge base of gaming and esports performance.

Lero and Logitech G have collaborated across a range of studies since 2016 to measure the biomechanical, psychological and cognitive capabilities of professional esports athletes to casual gamers to better understand their needs and innovate products to serve them.

Director of the Esport Science Research Lab at Lero, Professor Mark Campbell, said the project’s goals are to advance our understanding of how gamers train and compete.

“We will have to create bespoke software tests to identify and measure key performance indicators of gaming and gamers, and identify and measure the biomarkers of esports and gaming performance.

“This will be achieved through the use of cutting-edge technology such as brain imaging, eye tracking and biosensors,” said Dr Campbell, who is Professor in Sport and Performance Psychology at the University of Limerick.

Professor Campbell said Lero aims to test up to 2,000 gamers or more over the next four years of the project, beginning today (August 18) at the Gamescom convention in Cologne, Germany, where Lero plans to test hundreds of gamers over the five-day convention.

“The information we gather will help enable the development of AI-powered smart gaming peripherals such as mice, keyboards and headsets with biosensors for human performance monitoring in-game and other potential training tools such as bespoke software tests using AI dynamic difficulty adjustments for smarter training and competing,” he added.

Professor Campbell said the four-year research programme will be of benefit to Ireland’s €500 million gaming industry employing close to 2,000 people as the project will involve developing strong PhD students, research assistants and Post Docs dedicated to focused research areas across fields such as computer science, psychology, neuroscience, sport science, software engineering, and human-centred design.

“We will leverage behavioural, physiological and performance data from both professional and amateur gamers during play and training sessions to assess player performance, identify key influencing factors and enhance the gaming experience. Additionally, this project will explore prototyping and iterative design methodologies to develop next-generation gaming tools, interfaces, and performance-tracking systems tailored for various gamer needs,” he added.

Professor Campbell said there is a growing level of game development expertise among the research community in Ireland, and the Lero/Logitech INGAME (Innovation in Gaming and Esports) project will bring about greater international visibility of the games industry-related research and development taking place in Irish third-level institutions.

AKASO 360 Action Camera Review

The AKASO 360 Action Camera is their latest product on the market which is ideal for content creators and more in a small package that is portable and comes well equipped with goods on board.

There is also a selfie stick you can get with a tripod built in so this can be used in many scenarios at home and out and about and of course getting content for whatever it is you do personally.

In the box you get a nice pouch to store it in when not in use you also get two batteries which is great as most similar products come with one and slip in the option to get another battery and you also get a lens cloth and USB-C cable, you will need an SD card here which is not in the box which is standard with most equipment similar today most have these at home anyway and they are not expensive these days but having one in the box would have been nice.

The unit itself is robust with two camera lenses a door for your SD card and battery and has a tripod mount hole on the underside, there is a power key on the right side the camera door on the left alongside the USB-C port for charging the device it has a nice texture all round and the final important part on the device is the 2.29 inch touchscreen where you can check out all your settings and more which is also mirrored in the app itself. On our testing prior launch we used the testpilot app on iOS the app will be available on Android too.

Once you have your images and videos you can then use the desktop app or mobile app to edit and get creative with your videos, this is not my type of thing but after using this I can see the demand for such and now I will use this to get more involved with different ideas on videos my self and it is not that hard to get use to editing and creating your own style of videos on the AKASO 360 check the video below for more and what to expect..

AKASO 360 App

 

Outdoor action sports 

5.7K 360° video & 72MP photos – Capture every angle.
AI Tracking – Stay centered without touching the camera.
360° HorizonSteady – Smooth, level footage on rough terrain.
Invisible Selfie Stick – Create epic, drone-like shots hands-free.
Shoot First, Frame Later – Don’t worry about angles—edit freely after.
Dashboard Overlay – Useful for tech users into cycling, motorsports, or action data.

Creative and Travel Vlogging

Shoot First, Frame Later – Reframe the story in post with total freedom.
AI Tracking – Keep yourself in frame while staying in the moment.
Invisible Selfie Stick – Add cinematic third-person views.
DNG8 RAW Photo Mode – Rich details for pro-quality travel shots.
Mobile + PC editing – Create anywhere, anytime.
Smartclip templates – Turn clips into polished stories in minutes.

Buy From Below

Other action cam reviews

Video Review

Goggle Gemini expands Veo 3 capabilities in Ireland

Google has just announced a significant expansion of Veo 3 capabilities within the Gemini App, empowering Google AI Pro subscribers in Ireland. I have taken it for a spin today so to speak and impressed at what it can do now so one can only imagine what possibilities are coming down the road.

Google is making it easier than ever for users to generate and share dynamic video content directly from the Gemini App. Veo 3, the advanced video generation model, allows Google AI Pro subscribers to generate videos from text.

Simply click the “tools” option in the Gemini prompt bar, select “video,” and describe your scene. Gemini will instantly create an eight-second video clip at 720p resolution, delivered as an MP4 file in a 16:9 landscape format, complete with audio.

Read more

Watch the clips on a quick test 

Nokia brings Wi-Fi 7 with launch of Beacon 4 and 9 home devices

Today, Nokia launched two new Wi-Fi 7 gateways designed to deliver, reliable, ultra-fast broadband to every corner of the home. Nokia’s entry level Beacon 4 and mid-tier Beacon 9 offer gigabit speeds over Wi-Fi – essential for supporting the expanding demands of streaming, online gaming, video, smart home, and security applications in the home.

As XGS-PON and 25G PON services grow, Wi-Fi upgrades are essential to delivering multi-gigabit speeds into homes.   Nokia’s new Beacon 4 and 9 are designed specifically for this purpose, allowing service providers to offer an affordable, best-in-class Wi-Fi 7 experience for the masses. Incorporating Wi-Fi 7’s full capabilities, the dual-band Beacon 4 gateway delivers 3.6Gbs speeds over Wi-Fi while the tri-band Beacon 9 gateway delivers blazingly fast 9.4Gbs speeds that help eliminate slowdowns and buffering issues. Both Beacons are powered by its Corteca software which allows operators to create and monetize better broadband experiences.

“As the connected home ecosystem grows increasingly complex, Wi-Fi 7 emerges not just as a technological upgrade, but as a strategic necessity. To unlock the full market potential of Wi-Fi 7, it is essential to accelerate its availability across a wider range of devices. Expanding access – while preserving opportunities for service providers to differentiate and monetize premium offerings – will be key to driving adoption at scale and delivering the elevated experience consumers expect.” said Alzbeta Fellenbaum, Practice Leader, Service Provider – Consumer at Omdia.

“Wi-Fi 7 is a pivotal new technology that will power the connected home of the future. Operators can now make Wi-Fi 7 a reality for customers, with two new affordable solutions that ensure multi-gigabit speeds are delivered to every corner of the home for the ultimate experience,” said Dirk Verhaegen, Head of Broadband Devices, Fixed Networks at Nokia.

The new gateways expand Nokia’s portfolio of Wi-Fi 7 devices which now include the Beacon 4, Beacon 9, Beacon 19 and Beacon 24 models, each designed to meet the varying demands of operators and end-users globally.

Multimedia, technical information and related news 

Web Page: Nokia Wi-Fi

Web Page: Nokia Beacon 9

Web Page: Nokia Beacon 4

World premiere of GAA game ‘Gaelic Football 2025’ at Gamerfest

Ahead of its massively anticipated launch, the world premiere of Gaelic Football 2025 is happening at GamerFest, Ireland’s biggest gaming and esports festival, where gamers can have an exclusive first play! The epic weekend celebration of gaming entertainment will include the latest games, VR gaming, esports and gaming challenges, a host of special guests including top Twitch and YouTube creators, and a packed schedule of live stage content.

The first Gaelic Football video game in 18 years is bigger, better, and built for next-generation game consoles – and GamerFest is the place to play it before anybody else! Whether you’re chasing glory in county championships or building your legacy from grassroots to greatness, Gaelic Football 2025 delivers the passion, pride, and power of Gaelic football like never before.

In addition to this world premiere, the developers of Gaelic Football 2025, Buck Eejit Games, will also be onsite at GamerFest to chat with the audience and gather that all important gamer feedback ahead of the games official launch in summer 2025 across Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PC.

Red Bull’s mobile gaming event is returning to Ireland exclusively at GamerFest, featuring action-packed tournaments for both Player Unknown’s Battle Grounds on the Saturday and Clash Royale on the Sunday.

Tournament registration will take place on both days from 10am at the Red Bull Mobile Esports Open area at GamerFest. Attendees will commence the tournament in the Red Bull area from 1pm on both days, with the exciting Grand Finals taking place on the GamerFest Main Stage later in the day. The ultimate winner on both days will earn themselves their choice of a flagship smartphone or €1,000 in cash, plus the tournament winner’s trophy.

Also appearing at GamerFest will be Ireland’s top gaming content creators, including The Gara Show, who has amassed over 750,000 followers across his channels. Others such as Dylan Garbutt, Jordan Brown and Shields will be making live stage appearances and partaking in Q&As with gaming fans.

GamerFest has something for gamers of all levels, including families, casual and seasoned players alike. From retro games, cosplay and tournaments, to the Industry Zone where those interested in gaming professions can chat to the developers themselves and learn about the opportunities in the sector.

Stuart Dempsey, CEO of GamerFest, says: “This is a very exciting year for GamerFest, with audiences getting an exclusive first play of the hotly anticipated new GAA game. Our passion is to give Ireland’s gamers the biggest opportunities in the industry, whether that’s first plays of upcoming games or a chance to talk to developers about a future career in the games industry. We look forward to welcoming over 5,000 visitors to enjoy the weekend’s entertainment.”

GamerFest takes place in Dublin’s RDS on May 24th and 25th