It’s not that long ago since I built my gaming PC. It’d been years since I’d done this and the market has changed dramatically since I’d done it before too. All of that aside, I sat down on my first night with a fairly silly omission; I had no speakers in my setup. In stepped Majority with the D80 gaming speakers for PC. I’ve had them running for a few months now, and they are a dream element of the home office and gaming rig setup.
Who is Majority?
Majority is a UK-based audio company that has surfed the wave of Amazon expansion, becoming the platforms top-selling home audio manufacturer. I’ve gotten my hands on a few Majority products, the D80 being my first review of their wares and two things stand out. The quality of the products is high and the price, while rarely silly cheap, is always fair.
I wanted to introduce the company to you, because when it comes to home audio, Majority is a relatively unknown brand in most markets. For now, let’s get on with the review of the D80 speakers.
Majority D80: Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Majority D80 doesn’t scream “gaming”. For a start, there’s no RGB, but I’m going to level with you here. The Majority D80 speakers aren’t designed to target just the gaming PC market. They are designed to be an all-rounder that a would-be home music producer would be just as happy with as a gamer or home office worker.
I personally like the rounded matte design. The D80s are as much old-school speaker as they are modern desktop speaker. At about 3.5kg, the speakers are sturdy and heavy enough to sit nice an still on my desk, even when I’ve cranked up the volume a bit. If I had to criticize anything its that the weight and shape of the speakers making placing them on my desk slightly challenging. I now have one atop my gaming PC tower and the other behind a monitor. It’s not ideal, but the limited space on my desk right now, doesn’t lend itself to having real estate for speakers. I should probably look at getting dedicated bookshelf stands for the wall or something, but that’s far too logical for me.
One of the most impressive aspects of the D80’s design is its connectivity options. Majority has thoughtfully included a wide range of input/output (IO) options, which is one of the standout features of these speakers.
My gaming setup at home, doubles as my home office setup. I have several machines from gaming PC, to Windows laptop and Mac that I use for lots of different tasks. Sometimes, I might even have my iPad on while I’m working on something. I don’t always need my gaming PC to be what I’m listening to. So while I leave the 3.5 connected jacked into the speaker and my PC, at the flick of a switch one of my portable devices can connect to the speakers via Bluetooth.
There’s also optical and HDMI Arc support, which makes these speakers are incredible flexible for any home office use.
Majority D80: Sound Quality
In terms of sound quality, the Majority D80s don’t do anything absolutely wild. I didn’t turn them on and have my mind blown, but equally, I didn’t find them to detract from anything either.
Previously, I had been using my Huawei Monitor’s built-in speaker, and I did notice that the D80s blew this away. A much more expansive sound stage and the simple fact I now had two separate speakers a distance apart.
As I’ve mentioned, I use the speakers for a wide range of entertainment. The Majority D80s proved to be excellent PC speakers for gaming, listening to music and watching movies, all the while being really easy to switch between a range of devices quickly. This is also helped by the speakers coming with their own remote control.
The Goosed Verdict: Majority D80 PC Speakers
Once you’re not at the very cutting edge of audio requirements, and by that I mean music production, the Majority D80 PC speakers are an excellent purchase. I’ll admit, when I used to have a gaming PC back the day, cheap and cheerful is all I wanted but I wouldn’t dare say this is “cheap and cheerful” Yet, at €130 from Amazon, they also don’t tip the scale into the realm of unaffordable gaming PC speakers. Given the build quality, I would also expect these speakers to handle a few knocks and survive for many years to come. So that investment just keeps on getting better.
Sony has launched a highly anticipated Limited Edition Astro Bot controller for the PlayStation 5. It’s based on the PS5’s cute mascot Astro Bot who is the centre of the console’s tutorial games.
While expectations are extremely high with many fans looking forward to their beloved mascot being commemorated in a controller, not all expectations will be met.
Sony’s Reveal Video for the Controller
The Astro Bot PS5 controller will feature the bot’s well-known eyes on the controller’s touchpad, with the launch trailer leaving many believing the touchpad’s eyes are animated. Even The Verge’s coverage of the launch said, “Astro’s signature pair of bright blue eyes on the touchpad that, based on the adorable trailer, appear to blink at you. (They better blink at you — what’s the point of the eyes if they don’t blink at you?)”.
All of this left some believing the controller would have Astro Bot’s animated eyes on the controller, but that’s just not the case, unfortunately. The eyes are static, making them a lot less cool, but not less attractive for Astro Bot’s fans around the world.
Sorry to be a buzzkillington, but I’d hate to see fans buying this and the controller not meeting expectations.
Sony launched the PlayStation VR2 app on Steam today. Just last week I wrote about how Sony slashing the price of the PSVR2 was a bad deal for console gamers, but a coup for PC gamers. So PC gamers, it’s time to get excited. Depending on what GPU your gaming rig is running, you might not even have to wait for Sony’s adapter to launch tomorrow. You could start gaming on the best pound-for-pound VR headset for PC gaming, right now.
PSVR2 Already Working With Some VirtualLink GPUs
Sony initially stated that for PC gamers to use the PSVR2 they would need a few things:
The PlayStation VR2 VR headset
PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers which connect via Bluetooth
Sony’s brand-new PlayStation VR2 PC adapter
But some users have already downloaded the PSVR2 app from Steam and gotten Sony’s VR headset working without the official adapter that’s required. The difference is that these gamers have GPUs featuring VirtualLink USB-C ports.
Steam user tg2 posted to the PSVR2 app Steam page confirming the “headset works very well and the adapter is not actually mandatory if you have a GPU that supports VirtualLink, like the RX 6000 series or RTX 20 series. The controller tracking is surprisingly good despite what I heard from earlier reviews and the output from the HMD is gorgeous”.
On Reddit, the person said, “I knew from how the adapter looked that it was a virtual link splitter and knew [sic] that the PS VR2 needed 12-volt power so as soon as the software came out I tested it”.
VirtualLink Supported GPUs and Laptops
Here is a non-exhaustive list of GPUs and laptops which feature a VirtualLink USB-C port which should, in theory, let you get your PSVR2 headset up and running without buying Sony’s extra adapter.
Nvidia
GeForce RTX 2060 6G version by Aorus
GeForce RTX 2070
GeForce RTX 2070 Super
GeForce RTX 2080
GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
GeForce RTX 2080 Super
Titan RTX
Quadro RTX 4000
Quadro RTX 5000
Quadro RTX 6000
AMD
Radeon RX 6800
Radeon RX 6800 XT
Radeon RX 6900 XT
Radeon RX 6950 XT
Radeon RX 7900 XT
Radeon RX 7900 XTX
Radeon Pro W5700
Laptops
Asus Mothership GZ700
This list is both non-exhaustive and comes with a massive caveat.
I have the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX and excitedly grabbed my PSVR2 headset and ran to my PC only to find it doesn’t have a VirtualLink USB-C port. My GPU was designed by XFX making it an aftermarket GPU and not a reference card. Not all aftermarket cards will feature a VirtualLink USB-C port. So, unfortunately, I’ll be waiting to see if I can grab one of Sony’s adapters in the coming weeks.
Will PSVR2 Work Without the Adapter?
PSVR2 will likely work without you having to buy Sony’s adapter, but only if your PC’s GPU supports VirtualLink. It’s extremely early days and this hasn’t been thoroughly tested yet by the masses. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to test this at all. But I’m sharing the news for those who already have a PSVR2 and a GPU with a VirtualLink USB-C port. Hopefully, you can not only start gaming sooner, but you might save yourself some money too.
I recently got back from a trip to Japan. It was a dream trip, my second bucket list holiday after I did South Korea a few years ago. One lesson I took away from that first trip to Seoul is that jet lag is no joke. It took me three days to get back to normal, which many who have suffered from jet lag disorder will admit is pretty good. When I was planning for Japan, I knew tech could help with a few things. Along with Wanderlog for planning my days, I found Timeshifter which promised to overcome jet lag. Here’s how it went.
What Does Jet Lag Actually Mean?
Jet lag is a temporary sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s internal biological clock, or circadian rhythm, is out of sync with the local time at their travel destination. Regular readers will know I’m fascinated by circadian rhythms and I have lights in my house to manage my rhythms as much as possible. These rhythms are effectively related to jet lag. It’s ultimately the desynchronisation of your body from your current timezone to the one you’ve moved to.
This misalignment results from rapid long-distance travel across multiple time zones, causing the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle to become disrupted.
Symptoms of Jet Lag
The impact on you will vary based on quite a few variables but there are some general things to look out for. Jet lag can significantly impact both physical and mental well-being, reducing productivity, impairing cognitive function, and decreasing physical performance. Travellers often experience a range of symptoms, including persistent fatigue, daytime drowsiness, and insomnia. As you can imagine, this is not a fun experience to have on the dream holiday of a lifetime.
Additional stress if travelling with others can bring on exponential unpleasantness as those affected by jet lad could experience mood swings, irritability, and increased stress levels along with physical discomforts such as headaches and dizziness.
So it’s best we do what we can to avoid jet lag, right?
How to Avoid Jet Lag
There are a few things you can do to avoid jet lag. My main piece of advice is “do what your told”. That from both the Timeshifter app that I’ll talk about further below, but also take the cues from your long haul airline too.
What Airlines Do to Help With Jet Lag
I flew to Tokyo via Amsterdam. This is already very good for managing jet lag because the vast majority of my flight was in my second leg. That meant it was one airline managing my jetlag. If I was stopping half way, it would be harder for them to know which passengers were on which sleep cycles. So for this reason, KLM were largely in control of my sleep patterns coming into Tokyo.
The plane has modern lighting systems that simulate natural light patterns, aiding in those all-important circadian rhythm adjustments. The timing of the flight itself was planned to align with natural sleep cycles. So too were the timing of food and coffee service with the offering largely “coming to us in the galley” instead of “us coming to you”. This allows the airline to serve the needs of individuals adjusting to patterns individually.
If you choose to avoid all of these prompts, you’re going to have a bad time with jet lag when you land. What I found amazing was the fact I was using an app to help with jet lag and the app was pretty closely aligned to what the crew was recommending too.
Timeshifter: The Jet Lag App
Timeshifter is your personal jet lag avoidance assistant for long-haul travel. Your first trip is free and after that you can pay by the trip or pay annually. I’ll include pricing further below.
Timeshifter was a system originally developed by NASA’s consultant on circadian rhythms, Dr. Smith L. Johnston and NASA’s own flight doctor, Dr. Steven W. Lockley for astronauts to manage their day-night cycles while in orbit or abroad the International Space Staton. Even back on earth, ground control utilises similar methods to ensure they can maintain peak mental performance around the clock.
Realising this system was also extremely helpful for long-haul travellers, the pair launched Timeshifter for consumers.
How Does Timeshifter Work?
Remember how I said my one piece of advice is to look for the cues and do what you’re told when travelling? That applies tenfold for Timeshifter. If you want to give the app a try, you have to be prepared to do what it tells you and make sure push notifications are turned on.
Starting out, I put my flight numbers into the app. It’s important to note that you should put in your outbound and return flights for Timeshifter to effectively give you the best experience. This one simple step of providing your flight numbers makes setting up really easy as the app does all the work from here. Now Timeshifter can work out your travel plans and give you the outline of your schedule.
The schedule Timeshifter gives you focuses on three main things:
Circadian rhythms (exposure to light)
Caffeine consumption (coffee etc)
Sleep
The plan kicks in a few days before you travel and you should start following that plan as soon as it starts. The app will tell you when you either get or avoid daylight, stop consuming caffeine and when you should hit the hay.
One thing I nearly forgot for mine was that a lot of cola drinks contain caffeine, including zero-sugar drinks – so watch out for that.
Your Timeshifter plan will start before you travel, give you tips during your flight and continue a few days into your trip too. I’ll admit I wasn’t as strict with my plan when I landed because I felt great and I was on holiday. But the idea here is that the app continues to optimise your sleep schedules a few days into your trip to make sure you feel great.
As I mentioned earlier, I was impressed with how in sync the plane’s lighting system was with the recommendations in my app with just a few minutes between them. This was likely somewhat lucky too given the amount of different cycles on board the plane.
Does Timeshifter Work?
My personal experience with Timeshifter was incredibly positive. Of course, I can’t say that alone worked given I spotted so much jet lag management on my plane too. But I was horribly jet lagged when I flew to Seoul with British Airways from London, but landed in Tokyo ready for a holiday and hit the ground running.
British Airways did time the flight perfectly and very similarly to my KLM flight to Tokyo, but they didn’t have as much circadian management.
All in all, this means it’s tough for me to say Timeshifter alone works, but taking some steps to manage your exposure to jet lag absolutely can. And if your airline does nothing for jet lag, it’s even more important you have an app like Timeshifter to avoid it.
The Goosed Verdict: Timeshifter – Is It Worth It?
I hate paying for apps in general, but Timeshifter is fairly priced for all customers. If you are a business traveller flying long haul on a regular basis, the annual plan of €25 is great value, even more so if you’re thinking about the time it saves you. If you’re doing one big long-haul trip per year, you can buy a single plan for €10.
If you look at that €10 as expensive for an app, like I typically would, you need to reframe that focus. This is €10 to make sure you don’t waste a day or more of the holiday of a lifetime. That holiday probably close a small fortune, so that €10 is a great investment. If you’re a couple you can even use the one plan together.
I am unlikely to ever fly long-haul again without plugging my itinerary into Timeshifter because I know what jet lag feels like and life’s just too short! The Timeshifter app is available for Android and iOS.
I’ve had the Dyson hairdryer (officially the Dyson Supersonic) for a few years and felt it was about time I wrote about it. The hairdryer is one of Dyson’s most popular products and you’ll typically find it in man barber shops too. But does this make it good and worth the hefty pricetag that it comes with?
What Makes the Dyson Hairdryer Different?
The Dyson Supersonic is a high-end hair dryer developed by Dyson, a company renowned for its innovative household appliances. Launched in 2016, the Dyson Supersonic quickly became popular for the marketing around its advanced technology and unique design. But really the driving force behind it was the premium nature – as is often the case with Dyson products.
Dyson is a bit like Joseph Joseph. Some of the products they make are overengineered solutions that offer a different approach, while not always better. I could argue that this is the same for the Dyson hairdryer. The head of a Dyson hairdryer is much smaller because the air intake is from the bottom of the handle, and up through the handle too. It’s a unique design making a much smaller product.
The Supersonic’s digital motor V9, it spins up to 110,000 times per minute, providing powerful and controlled airflow. The motor’s placement in the handle ensures better balance and ergonomics. The Supersonic features intelligent heat control, measuring air temperature 40 times per second, which Dyson claims prevents extreme heat damage and protect hair’s natural shine. Magnetic attachments offer versatile styling options with the flyaway option proving popular amongst many with longer hair – not something I got to test.
Actually, the vast majority of features I have no opinion on, yet I still love the Dyson hairdryer.
Just a Guy that Loves His Dyson Hairdryer
I have to admit, I love using my Dyson hairdryer and, despite being a guy with relatively short hair, I use it a lot. My hairstyle is a zero to one fade on the sides with a scissors cut on top, combed from left to right. After my last barber moved to Australia, I was left looking for a new guy. I found Ciaran Collopy, owner of Autonomy Hair Studio. Not only did he give me a haircut, he gave me a hairstyle and the knowledge I needed to manage it. He taught me about the “flatwrap” technique and how to use my Dyson hairdryer to get the style I wanted consistently, even when rushing in the morning.
The sheer power of the Dyson hairdryer is enough to make me love it. It makes flatwrapping my hair super simple and quick. The cold button swaps from drying heat to cooling air to lock in a style almost instantly. I have come across a few hairdryers that offer the same power and same features, but buying one like that is an absolute minefield in terms of quality. While the Dyson Supersonic is a wild price, it sure is convenient to just know this one is good.
I have heard quite a few people say after two years their Dyson hairdryer dies off and stops working as well. I must have had mine at least two years and haven’t seen any drop in quality. I have some other Dyson products that died just as the warranty expired, including the Dyson lamp – a review I’ll be updating shortly, but the hairdryer is solid.
I’d cleaned the filter two weeks ago, but it needs another small clean today
The main issue most face is not cleaning the filter at the base of the handle. Yes, that end cap comes off and has to be cleaned every few weeks of use.
Beyond that, aside from what I assume to be quite a lot of complex engineering, the Dyson Supersonic is so simple. One button controls the power, one controls the heat, there’s an on/off switch and a button to make it blow cold.
You can see I’ve had this for some time
The Goosed Verdict: Dyson Hairdryer
The Dyson Supersonic hairdryer costs €400 and that price is just absolutely wild for blowing hot air. I could never justify that kind of money for a hairdryer. Yet, I’m here to say that if that price doesn’t make you flinch, you won’t be disappointed with your Dyson hairdryer.
It’s powerful, reliable and easy to control without taking up a lot of space in your bag when you travel – if that’s your thing.
Energy pricing in Ireland has left consumers with an appetite for something new. Yuno Energy is hoping to whet that appetite a little with a relatively new approach to how you pay for your electricity. In this article, I’ll look at everything you should consider when it comes to deciding whether or not Yuno Energy is a good option for you.
Who is Yuno Energy?
Yuno Energy launched in Ireland in Augusy 2023 as a pay-as-you-go energy provider, owned by PrepayPower. So in terms of the wider energy market, Yuno Energy is indeed relatively new.
How Does Yuno Energy Work?
Unlike Prepay Power, which requires customers to prepay for their electricity and includes a prepayment service charge, Yuno Energy employs a more traditional billing model with a standard standing charge. They also charge ahead of time using what they called personalised prediction. Which leaves me seeing this as a hybrid of paying a electricity bill and opting for prepay power. I understand you will need a smart meter to get the most from Yuno Energy and they can assist you in getting this installed.
Overall, Yuno’s innovative and fresh approach genuinely give it some of the lowest prices in the market right now. But that may not always be the case. It’s possible, if not likely, that Yuno Energy is operating at a loss to establish a strong customer base. It’s a common strategy for new entrants in competitive markets to initially offer lower prices. The hope is that you forget about your energy provider and after 12-month they lift you onto higher charges while hoping you don’t notice.
While that’s my inner skeptic, Yuno does promise lots of insights for smart meter customers which should give you more control over your energy usage and, in theory, cheaper bills over time.
Yuno Energy’s Environmental Impact
One massive question mark I have over Yuno Energy is the greenness of its electricity. Yuno Energy’s electricity has come under scrutiny for being particularly “dirty” compared to other providers on the market. Customers can find greener options for only slightly more money per kWh—approximately 0.2 cents more—offering 100% renewable energy along with better customer service. This marginal cost difference has prompted some environmentally conscious consumers to switch to greener alternatives.
While all electricity ultimately comes from the grid, which includes a mix of renewable and non-renewable sources, the choice of provider impacts the overall contribution to green energy initiatives. Yuno Energy and its affiliate Prepay Power have a higher reliance on fossil fuels compared to the national average. By opting for providers that source 100% renewable energy, customers can contribute positively to the overall energy mix and support the development of sustainable energy infrastructure.
Critics also highlight that many green energy claims in the market are based on purchasing green certificates rather than actual renewable energy generation. However, some smaller providers in Ireland own their own wind farms and genuinely guarantee that every kWh sold is green. These providers often come at a higher price premium, reflecting the true cost of renewable energy. Despite the challenges, the availability of these options allows consumers to make more environmentally friendly choices, even if it involves paying a bit more for their electricity.
With all of that said, there is a much wider issue when “green energy”, which has, in general, become an obscure concept and extremely difficult for consumers to make a clear and easy decision on.
Goosed Verdict: Is Yuno Energy Legit?
Navigating Ireland’s energy provider landscape can be tricky. But if you’re a saavy consumer, you can get the best deal right now. At the minute, that genuinely does seem to be Yuno energy. The sacrifice you make to get that cheaper rate with them is risking the long term cost if you don’t keep an eye on your agreement with Yuno. You are also likely paying for dirtier energy, but it has become nearly impossible to quantify that as part of any decision making.
Temu has ramped up its marketing in Europe over the past year, leaving many tempted to dip their toe into this massive alternative to Amazon. I’ve bought some items from Temu to test out the platform and bring you an insight into what Temu is and whether or not it’s safe for you to follow suit. I’ll also have some tips on how to shop safely with Temu if you are going to try it out.
What is Temu?
Temu is a Chinese online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers, offering a wide range of products including electronics, fashion, and home goods. Founded by tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, the platform aims to enhance the online shopping experience through a user-friendly interface, advanced search filters, and personalised recommendations.
Temu’s main draw is the wide variety of low priced products it offers.
Interest outside of China grew as Temu expanded focus on markets like the US and Europe, with massive funding of sponsorship around events such as the Superbowl and the Olympics.
Temu in Ireland
Temu’s expansion ramped up in 2022, with Ireland operating as the company’s European Headquarters. Temu’s marketing launch in Ireland was muted, with general interest being increased from global advertising and advertising on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Temu’s offering of an incredible range of products and extremely low prices is the main draw for Irish consumers, often starved of competition, variety and even simple access to certain ranges of products.
Product Range and Quality
Which brings me onto the products I bought. Most of them were just random things I know I was unlikely to find on the Irish high street, or something I’d been thinking about for some time and didn’t want to spend much on.
I’m a big coffee fan and wanted some accessories for my Sage coffee machine. I grabbed a coffee tamper, a portafilter rim, some filters along with a grounds distributor thing.
I also grabbed an extra meat thermometer for cooking, a holster for beer bottles, a Back to the Future license plate, cable management thing and a nosehair trimmer.
Honestly, the variety can’t be beaten, but the quality is very hit and miss, particularly anything with electronics. The nose hair trimmer worked, but I was terrified using this on a sensitive part of my body and haven’t used it since. The meat thermometer was ok, but not as good as a similar one I got from Amazon at the same price that’s much better built.
The test of the stuff is perfect and the coffee tamper I use daily, while some of the other coffee accessories were impulse nerd buys that I really didn’t need.
There’s also a massive part of me wondering where a lot of Temu products come from. The quality of electronics being quite low is worrying, leaving me wondering how many electronics on the site would be genuinely passing EU inspections. In the past, travel adapters were available which left live power ports reachable while plugged in. This product has since been discontinued.
I have to say the silliest thing I bought was the beer bottle holster. It was incredible quality and I ended up giving it to a family member as a joke gift. It got a massive laugh because we always enjoy a beer together and it was quite unique.
Pricing and Value for Money
Price and value for money are two very different things in my eyes. You’ll rarely pay a lot in total on Temu for what you get, but you might pay a lot per use of what you buy.
When I bought, Temu had lots of promotions and mechanisms to encourage me to make a purchase. €20 off when I spent €50 left me adding stuff to my basket I didn’t want because I was losing money by not buying more items. Temu gamifies the purchase experience too, adding a spinning wheel for discounts when you log into your account.
It’s tough to resist some of the stuff on Temu, let me tell you
But when the products arrived, I was left using about half of them regularly, and the rest I couldn’t even tell you where they are. So my opinion of the value is mixed. In truth, your ability to control yourself will determine your own experience.
In simpler terms though, buying some items on Temu versus the Irish high street, will be cheaper. You could find items for the home like this knife sharper, 75% cheaper than most shops. These products often come from the same factories and just get a logo put on them at some stage that inflates the price.
Saavy shopping on Temu will bring savings and good value, once you avoid the tactics to suck you into buying tat.
Shipping and Delivery
One of the biggest pities with Temu is that they use An Post. This is an issue exacerbated by the fact I live in Dublin City, but I hate companies using An Post. In my experience, I’ve just had the most issues with them while companies like DPD are flawless.
Typically, I had issues with this delivery too. I was home and a slip was left with no effort to contact me. Basically, An Post regularly just doesn’t carry packages and drops slips instead. Eventually I got the package after a few weeks but only when I flipped to my day time address across the city.
Delivery times are long. While free, don’t order anything expecting Amazon Prime like delivery times. You’re generally looking at weeks, not days and that’s not just because of An Post.
Oddly, a few weeks after my order arrived, my order was refunded because Temu thought it hadn’t arrived. They had also given me a discount on my next order for the delay before the refund. Temu, in general, does seem to be dealing with such cheap products that they are happy enough to offer refunds in the event of issues.
Beyond this though, how can you shop safely on Temu?
How to Shop Safely on Temu
Temu has been the source of many controversial headlines already. Weeding out genuine concerns from xenophobia can be tough when it comes to Chinese companies.
There were concerns that the Temu app was running around in the background absorbing your data, but in my own opinion, quite a few apps do this without getting headlines – because they’re not Chinese.
Regardless, I’m not an app security specialist. But I can give you some tips to stay safe when shopping with Temu, and indeed any other online platform. In general, I recommend a zero trust approach. Take as much control of your data back into your own control.
First of all, I use Revolut. Revolut let me create a disposable card that I could destroy effortlessly after my transaction. Now, I don’t care what happens to that card number. No more charges can be applied to the card, but I can still receive refunds. Absolute security.
Next, I used a “burner email”. Because I use quite a few Apple products this is really easy. Apple lets me create an email for every account I create and routes mails back to my primary mail. Gmail has similar functionality with email tagging, but it’s not quite as good as Apple’s approach. My advise, set up an iCloud email account just for scenarios like this.
Finally, if you have concerns about the app, just don’t use it. Use their website and only use it while incognito or private browsing. When creating your account, make sure your Temu password i unique to Temu, strong and not used anywhere else. This isn’t just advice for Temu, this is what you should be doing all the time, while using a password manager like 1Password.
The Goosed Verdict: Is Temu Legit?
Temu is legit in terms of, you can buy products and you will get them. If there are issues, there’s a way to engage with Temu to get a resolution.
But I do understand concerns around the platform in general. We’ve seen similar concerns about Huawei in the past, leaving quite the bit of confusion as to what is genuine concern and what is politics. But as I look at the news and see divisions being sown over immigration along with rioting, I do hold many concerns about what world superpowers could be doing with technology installed on our phones, and social media platforms that we use for hours daily. Just look at how Facebook impacted the 2016 Presidential Election in the United States.
My advise is, as much as possible, support your local shops on the high street. But if you find something you want on Temu, don’t feel bad about buying it. Take precautions and look after your privacy and card details and you’ll be just fine. You’ll be even happier if you buy this beer holster which is definitely the highlight of my Temu haul.
Google Translate recently added 110 new languages to Google Translate with Jamaica Patois to its growing list of supported languages, bringing the total number of languages in Google Translate to 243. This is one of Google’s biggest Translate updates, powered heavily by advances in AI language processing. The update not only marks a milestone for Google and the Jamaican diaspora but also represents a broader commitment to preserving and promoting diverse languages and cultures globally.
The Importance of Jamaica Patois
Jamaica Patois, also known as Jamaican Creole or simply “Patwa,” is a vibrant and expressive language spoken by millions in Jamaica and among Jamaican communities worldwide. Rooted in English but infused with African, Spanish, and indigenous influences, Jamaica Patois is more than just a dialect—it’s a cultural identity and a rich oral tradition.
For years, speakers of Jamaica Patois have navigated the digital world with limited tools to translate their language online. The addition of Patois to Google Translate addresses this gap, providing speakers with the means to communicate more effectively in their native tongue. Browsers like Google Chrome will now be able to translate websites into Jamaican Patois. This development is especially beneficial for educational purposes, preserving the language for future generations, and promoting its use in global conversations.
The Impact on Communication and Culture
Adding Jamaica Patois to Google Translate goes beyond mere translation; it fosters cultural appreciation and understanding. This tool will help bridge the gap between Patois speakers and the rest of the world, enabling more people to access Jamaican culture, music, and literature in its authentic form.
The journey from “Cool Runnings” to “One Love” reflects Jamaica’s cultural growth and global influence. “Cool Runnings,” while iconic, faced criticism for its inaccurate portrayal of Jamaica Patois. In contrast, Bob Marley’s “One Love” is celebrated worldwide for its authentic use of Patois, with the director placing a key focus on genuine representation.
Moreover, this update could significantly impact various sectors. For instance, the tourism industry in Jamaica can offer more personalised and accessible experiences for visitors, enhancing cultural exchange and boosting the local economy. Similarly, businesses looking to tap into the Jamaican market can now communicate more effectively with their audience.
Embracing More Languages in Technology
Google’s decision to include Jamaica Patois is part of a broader trend of embracing linguistic diversity in technology and is a step towards greater inclusivity for the Jamaican diaspora. As tech giants like Google strive to make their platforms more inclusive, the addition of underrepresented languages plays a crucial role. This move aligns with global efforts to protect linguistic heritage and promote multilingualism in the digital age.
The inclusion of Jamaica Patois in Google Translate is a testament to the power of technology in bridging cultural gaps and preserving linguistic diversity. The use of language models in translation is proving incredibly effective. This update not only empowers Patois speakers but also enriches the global linguistic landscape. As we move forward, it’s exciting to imagine how continued advancements in language technology will further connect our diverse world, one word at a time.
Lots of people are excited to see the likes of Smyths Toys reducing the PSVR2 from €599 to €389. A €210 saving is financially a fantastic deal, and for some gamers this is a must have bargain. But the gamers I’m talking about are PC gamers, not PlayStation 5 gamers.
What will that mean for people who buy PSVR 2? You’ll still have a fairly sizeable catalogue of PSVR 2 games on the PlayStation 5 you can play. These would be expected to keep working for as long as you have them. But that’s it. You’ll never seen new games being released with PSVR 2 features or modes.
Which is a massive consideration, even if you are paying quite a bit less for the PSVR 2 now that Sony is trying to clear them out.
However, there is one cohort that is getting very excited about all of this news.
PSVR2 is Coming to PC
Despite early suggestions Sony had no interest in making PSVR 2 compatible with PC, that is exactly what is happening. In the coming months, Sony is launching an adapter in August which lets you connect your PSVR 2 headset directly to your PC. Now, the best pound-for-pound headset on the market will be compatible with thousands of Steam VR games and future games released to the wider VR market.
So if you are a PC gamer with a high-spec machine capable of running VR games, the PSVR 2 headset is an incredible deal. Given the top-notch specs it offers, this could quickly become the most sought after VR headset for PC gamers around the world. But if you’re a PS5 gamer, this is just a dead duck waiting to happen.
People are generally changing their phones less often. For many years, phone companies had everyone convinced that a two-year contract means changing your phone every two years too. As technology advances and becomes more reliable, people are changing less than ever. But there’s a lot more to consider that “when” you change phone. You should also be considering what plan do you want to get, because bill pay contracts rarely offer the best value.
In this article, I’ll bring you through the pros and cons of all the options you have to buy a new phone, show you the costs and give you a handy calculator to help you with your own purchase decision. My hope is that armed with this information, you’ll be able to save yourself a small fortune on your next phone purchase.
How to Buy a Phone from a Network
When you buy a phone from a phone network, you generally have two options. You either buy the phone on prepay or bill pay.
Buying a Phone on Prepay
On prepay, the network you buy with usually gives you a small discount on the phone versus what it would be to buy outright from a manufacturer like Apple or Samsung. This is usually between €20-€50 off the full price. The network will “lock” the phone to their network until you’ve spent a certain amount on phone credit.
Once you’ve topped up by enough, you can unlock the phone and away you go. You can unlock the phone and buy a plan from any other network offering a great deal.
Buying a Phone on Bill Pay
On bill pay, you are making a much bigger commitment and will likely pay more monthly. Typically, it’s a two-year commitment but in return, you pay significantly less up-front for your new phone. This makes it a relatively popular option for high-end flagship smartphones like iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S-series.
However, being enticed by a lower up-front cost can cost you a lot more throughout your two-year agreement. Often, networks will tempt you with “Free” pricing up-front to distract you from the long-term cost involved in a 24-month agreement.
There are alternatives to you that can save you money.
Alternatives to Buying a Phone from a Network
It’s not that long ago that to get a phone really would have meant the phone shop on the high street was your only choice. Today, you have a plethora of options.
Straight from Apple, Samsung and More
Phone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung would gladly cut the phone networks out of their deals with you, the shopper. And in recent years, they’ve done just that setting up online stores and bricks and mortar stores in for you to shop with. The phone you buy from the manufacturer will be a SIM-free phone with no SIM lock whatsoever.
And they offer an enticing option too.
Let’s take a look at a practical example of this. The iPhone 15 on an Irish network today would cost you €229 up-front and €60 per month for 24 months. Overall, you would spend €1669 over those 24 months.
Alternatively, you could buy the same phone directly from Apple online for €979. But let’s not forget you’ll still need a plan. Ireland’s best value sim-only plan right now is 48, at €12.99. In this scenario, you would pay just €1290 over 24 months for the same phone and similar service. That’s a saving of €378.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “I can’t afford €979 up front”, and I’ll come back to that in payment methods later.
SIM-Free Retailers
Another growing market in Ireland is SIM-free retailers. These are your big electronics retailers like Harvey Norman, DID and Currys. Just like buying from the manufacturer, these are SIM-free phones and you will need to go buy a plan elsewhere, like the 48 plan I mentioned earlier.
Oddly, some of these retailers can offer you better prices than the manufacturer, even Apple. I can’t begin to explain how hard it is to get discounts on Apple products. At the time of writing, the iPhone 15 was just €879 with all of the retailers I mentioned; that’s Harvey Norman, DID and Currys.
That makes your savings with this route even greater at €478 versus buying the same phone from a mobile network.
I’m not done yet with how much you could save.
Refurbished Phones
People are less fussy about their new phone being completely “new”. Refurbished phones have become an extremely appealing option for people seeking out a new phone. These phones have already had one owner and gone through a refurbishment process to make them “like new”. This means if the battery was old, it was replaced along with some other parts. Sometimes, these phones were purchased and returned within 14 days because shoppers just changed their minds.
Let’s get back to our iPhone 15 example. Even though this phone is current, you can still find them refurbished from Apple or from companies like Refurbed.ie, which I’ve reviewed before.
A refurbished iPhone 15, which granted isn’t brand new like the one from the network, would set you back €722. Once again, assuming you take the 48 sim-only option, you are now saving €635 in total over 24 months versus buying new from the network on a 24-month contract.
Amazon.co.uk
I can’t ignore the online shopping beast that is Amazon. The e-commerce giant will be opening an Irish store in 2025, but you can already buy that same iPhone 15 online today for just £699. After exchange rates, import charges and everything else, this route to your new iPhone 15 will cost you €850.
Let’s not forget that Amazon Prime Day 2024 is just around the corner too. So by shopping during these days, during another Amazon sale and by using Revolut, you could save even more. But buying that iPhone 15 on Amazon today would save you €507 versus the Irish network on a 24-month contract.
Payment Methods
Earlier I did say I understand that not everyone will have this kind of up-front cash lying around. Mobile networks have relied on this scenario for years, but the options for you, the consumer, have changed dramatically, but you do need to be careful.
If you look at buying a phone as credit, or hire purchase, it makes weighing up your options a lot easier. Buying the phone from the network would work out at about 13% interest.
Now, you can look at how much other options cost. A credit card with 18% interest would give you the buying power to buy the iPhone 15 from Apple and pay it off over 24 months for less than €40 per month would cost you around €150 interest in total. A fraction of what it would cost with the network.
There are still even better options too. If you’re a Revolut customer, you can also use Pay Later. This lets you split up your purchase into three payments. For the privilege, you pay a 1.6% interest and the iPhone 15 costs you three payments of €331.
With all of these options, it comes with a massive caveat. These are riskier credit options than a phone contract with a network. You need to be confident that you can manage your finances. But once you plan it out properly and make your payments, you could save a small fortune by purchasing your phone from one of the methods I’ve outlined here instead of a 24-month contract from a mobile network.
Bill Pay vs Prepay Calculator
It can be hard to know what the best value is for you, depending on what phone and plan you’re thinking of buying. So I’ve built this calculator to help. You’ll need to pick the phone you’re interested in buying, look up the price it costs on a network (both upfront and monthly) and the price with another retailer like Harvey Norman or Refurbed.ie.
Once you input all of this below, the calculator will tell you how much you could save by buying from a non-network retailer.
This pricing example of bill pay versus prepay is the one I’ve been using throughout the article and is an iPhone 15 which costs €229 on €60 per month for 24 months with a network, but €979 up front from Apple direct. It assumes you’re picking the best value plan on the market today, which is currently 48 at €12.99 per month. If the below returns a negative result, you would be saving money by picking the 24-month network option, but this will likely be rare.
