There is some technology that I’ve been begging to hurry up. My other half is German and despite my best efforts, the language escapes me (fortunately her English is pristine). But I’ve always been left wondering why technology is so slow to advance with translation, but advancing it is.
AI-platforms are fantastic for the advancement of translation technology, both in phones and in new devices. Which is why I’m excited about the prospect of Timekettle’s new W4 AI Interpreter Earbuds.
Timekettle, which admittedly has a slightly confusing name which has been inspired by the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’s Babel Fish, is building on the company’s reputation in AI-powered translation with the W4 earbuds are designed to make real-time cross-language communication faster and more natural.
The W4 stands out for its bone-voiceprint sensor technology, which captures speech through vibrations in the user’s bones. This helps eliminate background noise, making it easier to communicate in busy environments like airports or conferences. Combined with AI-powered, context-aware translation, the device is capable of distinguishing between phonetically similar phrases and promises 98% accuracy with a near-zero lag of 0.2 seconds.
The earbuds support translation across 42 languages and 95 accents, enabling conversations with speakers from over 95% of the world’s regions. A simple case-flip mechanism allows users to share an earbud for instant two-way translation.
Beyond translation, the W4 also functions as everyday earbuds, offering up to four hours of continuous translation or eight hours of music playback on a single charge. With the charging case, this extends to 10 hours of translation or 18 hours of music.
Priced €349, the W4 earbuds are available through Timekettle’s website and Amazon.
Anker Innovations unveiled a broad range of new products at IFA Berlin 2025, with its CEO Steven Yang outlining a vision that places artificial intelligence and robotics at the centre of the company’s future developments. The announcements spanned Anker’s core brands, Anker, Eufy, Soundcore, and Anker SOLIX, and included several “world firsts” across categories such as home appliances, charging, and creative tools.
Every year at IFA there’s something that everyone needs to see. Anker often takes that title in some way. For 2025 it was the Eufy Marswalker, a stair-climbing carrier designed to move robot vacuums between floors. The Omni S2 will be available in Europe later this year and globally in January 2026, while Marswalker is scheduled for the first half of 2026.
In home appliances, Eufy introduced the Robot Vacuum Omni S2, which combines a 30kPa suction system with scrubbing technology for hard floors. The vacuum is designed to adapt to different surfaces by raising its chassis to cross thicker rugs, carpets and even small steps.
In home security, Eufy unveiled AI Core, a large-model AI agent designed to process events locally within the home. The system aims to provide faster and more accurate alerts while reducing false notifications. Alongside this, the company introduced the eufyCam S4, a hybrid camera featuring both fixed and pan-tilt-zoom lenses.
Soundcore: Audio, Sleep Tech, and Home Cinema
Soundcore expanded its product portfolio with launches in sleep technology, recording, and projection.
The Sleep A30 earbuds, already released in the U.S., are now arriving in Europe and the UK. They use adaptive noise cancellation and AI-generated audio to reduce sleep disturbances.
The company also presented a coin-sized AI Voice Recorder, capable of multilingual transcription and summarisation, and announced the Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro, a 4K laser projector with detachable speakers and subwoofers, marketed as a portable home cinema system. The projector will launch on Kickstarter on September 23.
eufyMake: AI Tools and Personal UV Printer
Anker’s creative technology division, eufyMake, presented upgraded AI design tools and the UV Printer E1. The company described the printer as the first personal 3D-texture UV printer, allowing users to transfer designs onto surfaces such as wood, leather, and metal.
The E1 has already drawn significant attention through a Kickstarter campaign that raised $46 million from over 17,000 backers. Retail availability is planned for December 2025 at a launch price of $2,499 (€2,499).
Anker Prime: Smart Displays for Charging Devices
Anker expanded its charging lineup with the Prime Series, introducing smart displays that show charging speeds and temperatures. Highlights include the Prime 160W charger, a 300W power bank, a 25W Qi2.2 wireless charger with active cooling, and a triple-display docking station with 8K output.
Anker SOLIX: Home Energy Storage and EV Integration
In home energy and something we’re very much unlikely to see in Ireland is the Anker SOLIX Solarbank Multisystem, which can scale up to 64.5 kWh of storage and is aimed at reducing household energy bills. The system includes a Power Dock that lowers installation costs and supports dual electric vehicle charging.
Alongside it, Anker announced the V1 Smart EV Charger, which uses AI-driven energy management to balance solar energy and tariff costs. Both products are available in Germany from today (September 11), with rollout to France and the Netherlands to follow.
Unfortunately, we have little to no confirmation if any of this tech is coming to Ireland, but I strongly assume some of it is, particularly the Eufy robovacs given the company announced they are the biggest provider in Ireland earlier this year. Watch this space.
Continuing the trickle of Football Manager 2026 launch news is our first look at the game’s user interface. This, personally, is more important than any gameplay teasers because it’s where we spend most of our time.
A Cleaner, Modern Design
The most obvious update is the new look. Gone is the long-standing sidebar, replaced by a top navigation bar and a modular cards-and-tiles layout. The redesign feels more modern and visually appealing, tidying up one of the most information-dense games in the world.
It’s a change that gives the series a fresher presentation, and potentially lays the groundwork for more flexibility in how managers organise their screens.
The real promise in FM26’s UI lies in its modular structure. The cards and tiles aren’t just for aesthetics. Any time I’ve seen this used in the past, the approach allows players to customise layouts, prioritise what information is most visible, and adapt the interface to their own style of management. If fully realised, it could make the game feel more personal and intuitive than ever before.
Gameplay Depth Still the Big Question
While the facelift is significant, the big question is whether FM26 will deliver changes beyond the menus. Long-time frustrations with player conversations, repetitive press conferences, and match day management still loom large. For all the visual updates, Football Manager has always been judged on the depth of its systems, not the polish of its screens.
Sports Interactive’s move to the Unity engine is an important backdrop here. The new technology promises more scope for future evolution, even if FM26 itself ends up being more incremental than revolutionary.
In a world of AI-generated content, I struggle to see how a game like Football Manager can’t leverage this technology and improve the text-based engagement. Perhaps they will, and it’ll require a monthly subscription or some sort of season pass?
Designed for More Platforms?
The redesigned UI also raises questions about the series’ strategy across PC, console, and handheld platforms. The cleaner, modular approach seems naturally suited to controller play, but it could just as easily enhance the traditional mouse-and-keyboard experience. With Steam Deck and portable devices increasingly popular, FM26 could benefit from being easier to navigate on smaller screens.
Tools, Encyclopaedia, and Customisation
A standout new feature is FMPedia, an in-game encyclopaedia designed to pull together the vast wealth of information managers crave. If built with enough depth, it could become an invaluable tool for both new and experienced players.
The new structure also hints at greater scope for built-in customisation, which may reduce reliance on community-made skins. That said, Football Manager’s thriving modding scene will be watching closely to see how adaptable the new system really is.
At first glance, FM26 feels like a step forward in presentation. It’s cleaner, smarter, and more modern. But looks alone won’t convince seasoned fans. The true test will be whether the updated interface is matched by meaningful improvements under the hood. In the match engine, player interactions, and the systems that make Football Manager the obsession it is.
FM26’s UI reveal shows a series embracing change in how it looks and feels to play. It’s a confident step towards modernisation, with the promise of customisation and better tools for players. Whether it marks the beginning of a new era for Football Manager or just a stylish reskin will only become clear once managers get stuck into their first saves.
The quiet optimism continues. You can check out our speculation on FM2026, but there is now an officially confirmed launch date of 4th November 2026. You can still read and potential specs you’ll need to run it.
Continuing my coverage of IFA 2025 with a fantastic product. I’ve seen these a few times and always thought they were cool. But I’ve also seen regular every day consumers using them, not techies. And that means this product is growing, and growing fast.
HOVERAir specialises in personal automated drones. Let’s take a look at what they launched at IFA in Berlin.
HOVERAir X1
Image: HOVERAir
The HOVERAir X1 is the company’s most accessible model to date. At just 125 grams, it’s lighter than a smartphone and takes off from the palm of your hand with a single press. Designed for everyday users rather than drone hobbyists and offers over 10 automated flight modes, including orbit, follow, and bird’s eye.
With 2.7K video, a stabilisation system, and 32GB built-in storage, it’s pitched as a pocket-sized companion for capturing family moments, outdoor adventures, or simply hands-free selfies.
HOVERAir X1 PRO and PROMAX
Image: HOVERAir
For creators looking for more power, the X1 PRO and PROMAX add higher-resolution cameras and upgraded AI tracking. The PRO shoots in 4K while the PROMAX pushes to 8K, with the latter also including a 1/1.3” CMOS sensor and 7-element lens.
Both models weigh under 193 grams, keeping them within EU sub-250 g regulations, and include accessories like the Beacon (a wrist-worn controller with live video display) and a modular joystick setup for more precise control. Built for speed and rugged conditions, they can fly at up to 42 km/h and withstand temperatures down to -20ºC.
HOVERAir AQUA
Image: HOVERAir
Perhaps the most striking announcement was HOVERAir AQUA, which takes the self-flying camera to water. Marketed as the world’s first 100% waterproof autonomous flying camera, AQUA is designed for activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, and wakeboarding.
It features a 4K/100fps slow-motion camera, a hydrophobic lens, and neutral buoyancy, meaning it can take off and land on water. With up to 23 minutes of flight time, 15+ flight modes, including a snorkel mode, and a wearable controller called Lighthouse, AQUA is clearly aimed at water-sport enthusiasts looking for dynamic, hands-free footage.
With these three models, HOVERAir is positioning its line up across casual users, advanced creators, and water-sport adventurers. All rely on the same core promise: capturing cinematic shots without the need for piloting skills or bulky gear.
I hope to be testing these devices in the weeks ahead to see if they live up to the promise of being personal “flying cameras” for any setting, on land, in the air, and now, even on water.
I’m just back from IFA Berlin 2025. The tech chaos is over for another year, but the work really just begins for me now. Days of walking the halls and meeting companies, now I get to bring you the most exciting products from the companies I met with. In the coming weeks and months, I’ll be testing these products first hand. For now, it’s an intro. And first up, is Speediance.
What is Speediance?
Founded in 2020, Speediance has focused on developing connected fitness products that integrate artificial intelligence and digital content. Its expansion into the European market comes as more fitness brands look to combine home exercise equipment with subscription-based services and data-driven training plans.
I’m most impressed by the company because they are exciting about the prospects of doing business in Ireland specifically and not focused on logistic challenges “to the island”.
That’s despite their primary product being a large, multifunctional smart home gym.
Speediance Gym Monster 2
I got to have a brief workout with the Speediance Gym Monster 2 on the IFA floor. I’ve tried lots of home gym setups, but none felt as good as this one. I spent a small fortune on a multi-weight dumbbell set but find it horrible inconvenient.
The Gym Monster 2 overcomes this with lots of configuration options. But the most important part is that instead of weights, your work-out is done using resistance, right up to an equivalent of 100kg.
What impressed me most was the flexibility of the machine. You can do everything, my old personal trainer said I needed a full gym membership for. All the controls and progress is measured on the machine’s impressive 21.5-inch screen. The screen tilts so you can check reps, sets and form while working out.
The Gym Monster 2 remote control at IFA 2025. Image: Marty Meany.
What really impressed me was the Gym Monster 2’s Bluetooth ring. This lets you adjust the weights and start or stop your workout while still holding the bar. Really handy, seeing enough to convince me this was a product worth looking into further.
Best of Showstoppers Award
At IFA 2025, the company unveiled the aforementioned Gym Monster 2 home fitness system and the VeloNix smart bike. Alongside the hardware, the company introduced Wellness+, a new AI-driven service designed to provide personalised training and lifestyle recommendations across the Speediance ecosystem.
At the ever popular ShowStoppers IFA press event on Thursday, Speediance received a Best of ShowStoppers Award, which recognises standout innovations showcased to journalists and industry representatives.
Speediance founder and CEO Tao Liu said the company’s ambition goes beyond selling equipment. “We are shaping how smart fitness integrates into European lifestyles”, Liu told attendees.
Interested in learning more about Speediance? Follow Goosed.ie for more news and reviews on their product range in the coming weeks.
Media streaming service Plex has disclosed a security incident in which an unauthorized third party gained access to part of its user database.
According to Plex, the breach exposed usernames, email addresses, and encrypted passwords. The company stressed that the affected passwords were securely hashed and could not be directly read by attackers. Credit card details and payment information were not compromised, as Plex does not store this data on its servers.
The company has since closed the vulnerability that was exploited and has launched further security reviews.
As a precaution, Plex is requiring all users to reset their account passwords. Users are also advised to select the option to sign out connected devices when resetting, which ensures that any unauthorized sessions are terminated.
Additional measures Plex recommends include:
Enabling two-factor authentication for extra security.
Being cautious of phishing attempts, as Plex will never ask for account passwords or credit card details over email.
Plex has apologised for the disruption and inconvenience caused, adding that its monitoring systems allowed it to detect and contain the incident quickly.
Users can reset their passwords via plex.tv/reset and find support instructions here.
Three traditional banks are teaming up to take on neo bank Revolut.
AIB, Bank of Ireland, and PTSB have (again) announced a new instant payments service called Zippay. It will be built directly into their existing banking apps, with no need for customers to download anything new.
The service will let people send, request, and split money instantly using just a mobile number. No more setting up payees or remembering IBANs.
Zippay will be automatically activated for more than five million bank customers early next year, though people can choose to opt out. Transfers will be capped at about one thousand euro a day, with requests limited to five hundred euro per transaction.
The system is being delivered by Italian payments firm Nexi, and the banks say it comes with the same level of security as their current apps.
Other financial institutions like credit unions can apply to join, but they’ll need to pay for integration.
This isn’t the first time the banks have tried mobile payments. A previous standalone app project collapsed in 2023 after delays and regulatory hurdles. But with Zippay integrated into existing apps, no new approvals are required. You’d wonder why this wasn’t the plan in the first place.
Banking leaders say the move is driven by customer demand and a desire to keep pace with digital rivals, namely Revolut that has grown to over 3 million customers in a relatively short period of time. EThe rollout is expected in the first quarter of 2026. You can watch my take on this over on TikTok.
My favourite thing about covering tech is finding something new. Take mobile phones. I had found them utterly boring, but then a new form factor comes along; folding phones. Something new in tech shouldn’t be taken for granted, and I certainly couldn’t take the new Hypershell exoskeleton for granted.
Hypershell invited me along to IFA Berlin to test out the new Hypershell X Ultra exoskeleton that launched at the conference.
What is an Exoskelton?
New form factor? New category? We better start with the basics here. An exoskeleton is a mechanical device to support human motion. They are not a new concept, even outside of sci-fi movies (Wallace and Gromit’s The Wrong Trousers comes to mind).
Exoskeletons have been found in factories, supporting workers complete repetitive motions and removing strain on muscles and joints.
Hypershell has entered the fray as a consumer-focused exoskeleton. The target is (somewhat counterintuitively) really active people, though some rehab or accessibility benefits are undeniable.
But yes, Hypershell is targeting those who love walking, hiking, running and even cycling with the new Hypershell X Ultra.
The Hypershell X Ultra
I’m not sure what hall of IFA was the best for Hypershell to be in, between the likes of “Mobility” and “Fitness” on show, but it was in the latter. Hypershell has designed the X Ultra exoskeleton, according to CEO Kelvin Sun, to help people “go the extra mile” and to “enable personal achievement”.
The great news is that I didn’t have to wait long to get my hands on this exoskeleton. In fact, just yesterday I got to wear one for a few hours around Berlin, including a relatively steep hike up Teufelsberg Hill.
Design
The Hypershell X Ultra is ultimately a waistband with leg straps, motors and battery packs. Getting into your Hypershell for the first time takes a little bit some adjustments as you want the fit to be tight, secure but comfortable.
When you look at the exoskeleton, it looks rather cumbersome but it’s quite balanced when you put it on. I was rather surprised that the rear battery pack wasn’t uncomfortable even in the Uber that brought us over to Teufelsberg Hill.
The Hypershell X Ultra exoskeleton at IFA before our hike. Image: Marty Meany
The X Ultra weights about 2kg and despite being rather tight I felt the waistband did slip down a little as I walked. Admittedly, I’m a rotund gentleman so this may have been a factor. The clothes I was wearing probably weren’t ideal either (pair of shorts, T-shirt and overshirt). If I was buying one of these, I’d spend some time getting the perfect clothes to wear with it. Maybe some shorter shorts and an Under Armour style base-layer for example. I could imagine wearing it in the cold with longer pants would actually be perfect.
Overall, I feel like if I owned one of these, spent some time finding the best attire and some time on getting my fit perfect, the Hypershell X Ultra would be barely noticeable on a hike and quick to get into. But at the chaos of a tech conference, I couldn’t spend that kind of time getting ready.
I couldn’t help but feel that suspenders were a missed opportunity, and sure enough the Hypershell team confirmed this is something they are working on to provide added comfort. In my opinion, this will be a game changer.
As a result, I was aware that I was wearing an exoskeleton. But as the hike went on, there was a smile on my face that meant I get forgetting about it. I feel obliged to highlight these mild inconveniences but please don’t let them take from how cool this product is.
You can control the X Ultra either using the companion app or using the on-device button. I found it fairly intuitive too. The single button, through a series of single, double or long taps, changes through the modes I’ll go into below. The app adds an even easier layer of control, insight into remaining power and also showing you what type exercise the device thinks you’re doing. You can also manually specify what you’re doing too.
From here on, I’m getting more into functionality instead of design, so let’s flip over to that.
Functionality
On paper, the Hypershell X Ultra makes some promises that, honestly, I won’t have time to validate on the trip to Berlin. The kit has two batteries, each should provide 42,000 steps per battery over 60km overall. Hypershell says that the exoskeleton reduces physical exertion by 20% when walking and up to 39% when cycling. This is all thanks to the motors on either side of your hip, reaching a 1000 W of power.
On paper, I’m sure all of this is very impressive. I couldn’t imagine hitting 42,000 steps across a few days let alone before I’m near a charger again. I’d probably get away with one battery for most wears. But the reality of actually wearing the Hypershell X Ultra was mind blowing.
The X Ultra has several power settings: Eco, Hyper, Fitness and Transparent. The Hypershell team knew what how to demo this unit. We hiked up what was a significant but somewhat accessible hill. Not wild, but not easy. I had my exoskeleton set to Hyper and immediately felt the support it was offering.
From your waist, there’s a beam strapped on just above your knee. The motor on your hip rotates on your hip, kind of flicking your leg out. Through the app and onboard smarts, Hypershell’s algorithms learn your movements and predict your intended motions to react in sync with your body. It is quick, and feels natural.
You eventually forget you’re wearing an exoskeleton and you’re, well you’re just walking. Despite spending a few days walking in Berlin I was just chatting away to the others on the walk, still losing some breath because I was getting some cardio done, but my legs didn’t feel tired.
After a brief pause, the team asked me to try Transparent mode. This turns off the support so you’re back on you 100% human-powered legs. Now, I’ve seen a few YouTubers talking about the Hypershell and, honestly, I thought they had all been hamming up the reaction a bit to get clicks.
They weren’t.
I tapped into transparent mode as I walked and nearly fell over. My legs were heavy and sluggish. I’ve described it as feeling like I was on another planet with 4x gravity. It was the weirdest sensation to know this feeling of heavy calves was how my body normally felt.
I really didn’t think that the Hypershell was doing “that much” on the hike up. I could feel the support, but couldn’t quantify it. Until I tapped that Transparent mode button and suddenly I was wading through treacle. My mind was blown – and you can double down on it too with Fitness mode.
Fitness mode lets you use the X Ultra’s motors against yourself. You have active resistance when walking. If you’ve ever walked through waist-deep water, that’s what it feels like.
Experience in the Hypershell X Ultra
My overall experience with the X Ultra was impressive. I’m not going to say it was perfect, given I still think I needed more time to get my fit perfect, but it did break my brain a few times.
The view from our hike. Obviously a decent hike to get up here! Image: Marty Meany
The most impressive moments of my couple of hours in an exoskeleton came when it wasn’t supporting me. That first time I turned on Transparent mode caused me to curse loudly in shock. I couldn’t believe how my legs felt.
But the second time was after our Uber dropped us back to IFA. Walking around Messe Berlin again, my legs were so tired. Then I realised this is how they should feel at a tech conference (you do a lot of steps at IFA). Yet, hiking up a hill my legs felt totally fine over the past few hours.
This was the rewiring in my brain of what the X Ultra was really doing. As many Robocop jokes as I made about the exoskeleton, the reality is that it supported me (an extremely unfit tech reviewer) in getting up a relatively steep mountain. I did get out of breath and sweat, but my legs weren’t anywhere near as tired as they should have been.
As fun as the experience was and the novelty of a new form factor aside, the Hypershell X Ultra had just made hiking considerable more accessible for me. And that’s saying something.
Hypershell X Ultra: The Goosed Verdict
It’s important to caveat this as a review conducted in a few hours and I hope to come back to this with a longer review.
But in just a few hours wearing the Hypershell X Ultra – I got it. A lot of that realisation it retrospective. By that I mean, the X Ultra just gets you through your hike or walk without you paying it much attention. But then you take it off and you realise just how much power it was transferring into your body.
It’s a wild feeling, and you’d be forgiven for thinking this was a gimmick. But it’s not. Feeling how tired my legs were when I came back to IFA made me realise just how much extra walking I was doing without feeling tired legs. The only thing that could have been making that difference was the Hypershell X Ultra.
Now, it’s a considered purchase. I’ll update with confirmed pricing, but the Hypershell X Ultra will cost about €2000. The company does offer other exoskeletons starting at €899 too. But the price, while premium, will be justified to many who are active hikers looking to get further without breaks or reducing recovering time.
There are countless other use cases beyond hiking I can think off too from people with certain disabilities to rehabilitation – but it’s not my area of expertise so I won’t waffle on about it.
While exercise probably isn’t my area of expertise either, I’m going to close with this. Don’t be under any illusions here; exercise with the exoskeleton is absolutely still exercise. You’ll sweat and be out of breath, but you’ll absolutely do more. Essentially, the Hypershell X Ultra is like cycling with the support of an e-bike motor, but for walking.
You can watch my initial impressions over on Instagram too.
Disclosure: I’m on a hosted trip at IFA with Hypershell. That means we get access to the device, but also some travel, accommodation and food covered too.
The first look at Football Manager 2026’s matchplay has fans buzzing, and for good reason. For a series that has often been accused of evolving at a snail’s pace, this year’s reveal feels like a genuine leap forward. The video has sparked plenty of conversation, with the consensus being that FM26 could be the most exciting update in years.
A Visual Revolution
The core reason for the ultimate cancellation of Football Manager 2025 and long wait for Football Manager 2026 was the game’s shift to the Unity Engine. This opens a world of graphical overhaul for the developers, which is why I’ve been eagerly awaiting this gameplay video.
Alongside the official Premier League partnership, match day immersion has been improved from what I’ve seen so far. Animations are another area where FM26 seems to have levelled up. The days of stiff, robotic running or ping-pong passing appear to be fading. First touches, goalkeeper dives, and passing sequences look much closer to real football. Even the ball itself behaves more like it should, with movement and spin that finally feel believable.
The pace of the game does seem a little unnatural, but that’s always been a trait of the FM series animation. The player faces also look pretty awful and are a whiplash inducing snap back to reality.
But from what I’ve seen, that’s the last of the negatives. The immersion will be improved overall and I feel like I’ll be better able to understand tactical evolutions in matches because the watching experience is more enjoyable.
I get why there’s no management dashboard video in an FM gameplay teaser, but given that’s where most of the game is played – I’d like to see how this evolves too.
It remains a mystery whether or not Peter Drury will appear as commentator, or whether the game has commentary at all. I will say that when the whistle blows on the opening game in the teaser video, no written commentary appears on screen. So I am leaning towards some sort of voice’d matchday commentary, and I would be surprised if it’s not Drury if there is a commentator.
Matchday Atmosphere
It’s not just the football itself that looks improved. The matchday experience has been given new life with animated fans, banners, and better bench behaviour. Pre-match cutscenes, like trophy reveals, add a stronger sense of occasion. There is some caution about whether these moments might wear thin after a full season, but at first glance, they do a lot to make matches feel special.
Cleaner Match Interface
Another detail that emerged from the gameplay teaser is refreshed in-game interface. Tactics and instructions are now tucked neatly in the top left, while substitutions and player ratings sit along the bottom. It’s a cleaner, more modern look that should make it easier to make quick decisions without breaking immersion.
Early Praise with a Dash of Caution
I’m going to say the developers obviously made immersion a priority with this move to Unity. I’m quietly confident that this is going to be a great edition of Football Manager. However, I’m cautious in getting overly excited that it will be a generational leap forward while remaining hopeful that it will be.
I’m also extremely hopeful that Football Manager 2026 will have some new features in the management side of things and that all dev time hasn’t been totally locked up in matchday gameplay.
The really good news is that I’m more confident than ever that we are now on track for a playable demo next month ahead of a November launch date for Football Manager 2026. I’d also continue to be wary of hardware requirements if you are gaming on an older machine, because FM 2026 is going to be more graphically and processor heavy than previous games.
If you frequent TikTok on the regular, you’ll have no doubt noticed the influx of people selling and reviewing tech products (and non-tech products). Now, I’m not here to gate keep the idea of reviewing consumer products. I started doing this one day after a day working in a phone shop. It’s not something to be gate kept. But I am against people saying crud is good. More and more videos are appearing from people with decent followings trying to promote products that are a waste of money. I wanted to steer clear, but that just creates a review quality vacuum.
That’s what I’ve started a series called “Commission Not Paid”. The idea is completely true reviews where I don’t really care if you buy anything or not. I’ve been doing free reviews for years. There’s very little money in this, let me tell you, so I can happily review a pair of headphones without caring where you buy them or not.
And on that note, here’s a review of the Q2-ANC Headphones, available on TikTok Shop from CarPlayOle Ireland.
First Impressions
The packaging is as basic as you’d expect at this price point. That price point varies from €20 to €50 depending on offers. Straight out of the box, the headphones feel plasticky and a bit cheap, though there’s a surprisingly decent metal headband wrapped in faux leather that’s elevating the overall quality feel of the headphones.
They swivel but don’t fold, despite the box suggesting otherwise. The box also says ANC, which I was sceptical about. ANC means active noise-cancelling. Normally, active noise cancellation requires over-ear cups with enough space for microphones and internal trickery to block sound. These don’t have proper cups, just pads, and for the price, I’m not expecting any ANC whatsoever.
Back to the box, there is some vague wording suggesting these headphones are Bluetooth 5.4 and that they will last for 45 hours. In the box you also get a USB-A to USB-C charger, which is actually pretty cool. It’s heralding the official end of micro-USB products randomly appearing for me.
Switching the Headphones On
They are charged out of the box which is a pleasant surprise. Straight away, I wanted to test the ANC claims. I just didn’t believe there would be any.
I test ANC at home with background fans or kitchen extractor fans. These simulate similar background noise to jet engines. A great use case for noise-cancelling.
Switching them on, they did cancel a little background noise. I’d even go so far as to say considerably more than I expected for €20, but nowhere near the level of proper ANC headphones. If you’ve ever used Sony’s WH-1000XM5, you’ll know the difference is night and day. There is no grading system for ANC, but I wouldn’t want to be depending on these for a long haul flight.
If you gave these to me 5 years ago and said they cost €20, my mind would have been blown. Today, I’d be looking to stretch my budget to something better.
Sound Quality
Once I fired up some music, the verdict came quickly. The treble is woeful, mids are thin, bass is passable. I’m not an audio snob, believe it or not. There are some reviewers that will rip something like this apart. For me, the headphones just aren’t enjoyable once you turn them on.
They are light. They sit nice on your head. All of that is ok. But the ANC is not good, and now the sound quality is kinda bad.
Controls are basic but functional, and pairing over Bluetooth 5.x worked fine.
Value for Money
At €15 to €20, maybe picked up at a market stall, you could argue they’re worth a punt. There’s a little bit of ANC to make you realise something happened, but headphones with pads, not cups, pushing ANC as a major feature is just bizarre. It’s one of those things that makes a tech reviewer say “huh?”.
At €30+ with delivery, they’re hard to recommend. These headphones go up and down in price regularly, with free delivery only on higher spends with the seller. I just can’t recommend you spending anythings more than €20 on these. Even at that, I wouldn’t spend it myself.
At €49, it’s a hard no from me. Absolutely not. These headphones look and feel like the €20 product they are. The headband is surprisingly comfortable, the ANC technically works (just barely), and the sound is “meh” at best.
How Does TikTok Shop Work?
What blows my mind about TikTok shop is that I’ve seen creators full on saying these are the best headphones in the world. They are selling out their followers for a whopping €2.37 in commission if you buy them through TikTok Shop.
Some products are sent to reviewers for free, but others are purchased and only refunded after a set number of sales. As you can imagine, this encourages people to “sell” the product in their videos. Again, undermining how impressed some people may be with products.
This is why I started “Commission Not Paid”. I don’t care if you buy through my link because a lot of products on TikTok shop just aren’t that good.
If you buy these, buyer beware.
Shop around, and get your opinions from outside where people are being paid to promote a product. Check AliExpress and TEMU too because a lot of products are just coming from there anyway and adding some extra cost. I’m going to be spinning our TikTok Shop reviews into written articles too in the hope that people are Googling and researching.
They’re not great. If you do, buy through my link, I guess!
The irony isn’t lost on me. The first episode of #CommissionNotPaid is a product I got sent for free so it actually will pay me commission if you buy it. Watch my full, warts and all, review. Of these sometimes €20 sometimes €50 but always “meh” headphones from #TikTokShop#fyp#techreview#headphones
