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Hands-on With Xbox ROG Ally at Gamescom 2025

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I’m just back from a whirlwind trip to Cologne for the opening day of Gamescom 2025. Officially, I was there with JBL as they launch their new Quantum range of headsets, but I had time to wander the floors and check out some of the other big stories. Few were bigger than the Xbox ROG Ally and extra-powered Ally X. This was the device’s first major public outing and it drew crowds eager to discover what next-gen portable gaming could feel like.

First Impressions of the Xbox ROG Ally

My very first impression of the Xbox ROG Ally is that it feels absolutely fantastic in your hands. I’ve been using a somewhat hacked Gamesir G8 with my M4 iPad and while it works, I have to admit it’s a little cumbersome. But the Xbox ROG Ally feels perfectly balanced and contoured perfectly to my hands. It’s extremely light. In fact, overall I would say how light it is is just the standout first impression that I got. The Ally weighs in at 670g (which surprises me given what it felt like) while the Ally X is 715g.

xbox rog ally with forza horizon 5
The Xbox ROG Ally with Forza Horizon 5. Image: Marty Meany.

The 7-inch display is possibly the sweet spot for displays. ASUS knows what they’re doing with the two games on show, both focused on lush graphics. The one I focused on was Forza Horizon 5 (because no-one wants to support JK Rowling IYKYK).

ASUS has obviously leaned heavily into Xbox aesthetics for this handheld. The controller features Xbox’s ABXY buttons and colours, a dedicated Xbox button – all clearly inspired by the Xbox controller. The trigger buttons

Naturally, in a few minutes on the floor at Gamescom, I’m not going to be able to offer up a review here. But I can say my interest has been piqued with this new Xbox-focused handheld.

Xbox ROG Ally Key Features

What I can tell you about, are the specs on paper. ASUS/Microsoft were showing off two models at Gamescom 2025. The Xbox ROG Ally and Xbox ROG Ally X.

The ROG Ally features a Ryzen Z2A chip with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. The ROG Ally X swaps in a Ryzen Z2 Extreme, beefs the RAM up to 24GB and chucks in a 1TB SSD harddrive.

Both feature a 7-inch 1080p display with 120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass which should be good news if your Xbox Rog Ally takes a trip to the ground – but I wouldn’t recommend that.

The Ally has a 60Wh battery while the Ally X has 80Wh. I’m going to predict that the battery life is the same for both, with the beefier battery making up for the extra power draw.

Networking is uniform across both devices with Wi-Fi 6e and Bluetooth 5.4.

Xbox ROG Ally Launch Date

Rather disappointingly, we still don’t have pricing for either the Xbox ROG Ally or Xbox ROG Ally X. It was expected to be announced at Gamescom, but I’m guessing that the fairly fluid international pricing market right now, owing to tariffs etc, is making that a bit of a nightmare.

Speculative pricing has the two handhelds at €549.99 for the Ally and €899.99 for the Ally X – but that’s speculation with a capital “S”.

We did, however, get a launch date. The Xbox ROG Ally and Xbox ROG Ally X will be available from October 16th. Irish availability to be confirmed. Be sure to follow Goosed on social media for more news on the Xbox ROG Ally range launching in Ireland.

Google Announces Pixel 10 Series in Ireland

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Off the back of this year’s Made by Google event, Google has announced the Pixel 10 Series which is coming to Ireland. This promises to be Google’s most AI-driven phone to date, massively powered by Google Gemini.

It also marks a significant launch for the Irish market with Google’s full suite of Pixel devices getting a refresh, and the Pixel 10 being the first non-iPhone to feature MagSafe – but they call it Pixel Snap. I don’t go into detail on this here, so you can read that other article on that.

Pixel 10

Google announced the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel Pro XL. Now, whether every single device launches in Ireland remains to be seen. It’s possible not all will be available on networks and might only be available directly from Google. But you can check out our bill pay versus SIM only calculator to see if that’s even better for you financially anyway.

Google Pixel 10. Image: Google.

The Google Pixel 10 features a 6.3-inch Actua display with 3000 nits brightness, hopefully meaning perfect visibility even under rare Irish sunshine. The addition of a new 5x telephoto lens offers exceptional 10x optical-quality zoom, further enhanced by Super Res Zoom reaching up to 20x magnification.

the Pixel 10 has promises upgraded audio (better bass, stereo balance), and Pro models should have louder speakers than before.

Despite being the entry model, the Pixel 10, on paper at least, is no “lite” version. Powered by the new Tensor G5 chip and 12GB of RAM, it’s built to run Google’s Gemini AI locally, unlocking smart features without any cloud lag. You should also get all-day battery life (Google claims 30 hours), rapid charging (55% in 30 minutes with a 30W plug), and a choice of four fresh colours including Frost, Obsidian, Lemongrass, and Indigo. But which come to Ireland remains to be seen.

All Pixel 10 phones are promised 7 years of software + security updates, which is great given people are keeping smartphones longer than ever these days.

Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL

For those seeking an even more premium experience, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL take things up a notch. These Pro models come with elegant finishes in Moonstone, Jade, Obsidian, and Porcelain, giving a sophisticated look to your device.

The cameras see significant upgrades too: there’s a 50MP main sensor that delivers best-in-class portraits, a 48MP telephoto lens capable of up to 100x zoom thanks to AI enhancements, and a 42MP selfie camera with a wide 103° field of view—so no one gets left out of your group shots.

The displays get brighter Super Actua screens, now 10% brighter than last year while using less power. With 16GB of RAM, beefier batteries, and faster charging, the Pro XL goes the distance, reaching 70% battery in just 30 minutes with a 45W charger. These features could make the Pro lineup ideal for power users and photography fanatics who want the very best from their Pixel experience.

Pixel 10 Fold

Google’s foldable returns, now tougher and smarter than ever. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold features a robust new gearless hinge crafted from aerospace-grade aluminium, delivering durability that stands up to daily use. It’s also the first foldable to offer IP6A dust and water protection, so you can confidently take it anywhere.

Pixel 10 Fold. Image: Google.

Unfold the device and you get an expansive 8-inch Super Actua Flex display inside, complemented by a 6.4-inch Actua display on the outside, both boasting 3000 nits of brightness which should offer superb viewing in any lighting. The versatile triple camera setup includes a 48MP main lens, ultrawide, and telephoto, with handy features like rear camera selfies and dual screen preview for creative shooting.

Storage options go all the way up to 1TB, and the 5015mAh battery is sized for power users, reaching a 50% charge in just 30 minutes. With these upgrades, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold blends flexibility, toughness, and cutting-edge features, making it an interesting choice for fans of innovative foldables – an ever-growing category for smartphones and one I’m particularly interested in these days.

Again, it remains to be seen just how available this device will be in Ireland.

Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Buds

It wasn’t just the phones getting attention at Made by Google. The Pixel Watch 4 arrived in both 41mm and 45mm sizes, with a fresh range of bands and a new Quick Charge Dock. Google is continuing its Fitbit integration here, while promising better performance, longer battery life, and 7 years of software updates in line with the phones.

Pixel Watch 4. Image: Google

On the audio side, Google refreshed its earbuds lineup with the Pixel Buds 2a and Pixel Buds Pro 2. The 2a are pitched as the affordable entry option with a slimmed-down feature set, while the Pro 2 take aim at premium ANC and audio quality, powered by Gemini AI for live translation and adaptive sound features. Together, they round out Google’s push for a full ecosystem – phones, watches, and buds – all tuned to work best when paired.

Pixel Buds Pro 2. Image: Google

This full range of Google Pixel products is officially announced as of today. Be sure to follow Goosed.ie on socials, particularly TikTok, for updates, on availability, pricing and reviews.

Pixel 10 Phones to Feature MagSafe – Called Pixel Snap

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Made by Google 2025 has just wrapped with Google announcing a plethora of new technology. Rather interestingly, in a sea of devices and innovation, one thing stood out the most to me. An Apple innovation finally making its way over to Google’s eco-system.

Pixel 10 First Non-iPhone to Feature MagSafe (Pixel Snap)

iPhone gets a lot of criticism for slow innovation bringin in Android features years after Android phones launch them. But for once, Apple has opened up and said the world can use their MagSafe technology. Noone took them up on the offer, until now.

The new Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL wil feature MagSafe technology, which Google is calling Pixel Snap.

This means these devices will be able to use magnetic accessories and charging. Maybe I blow this out of proportion, but MagSafe was perhaps the last bit of innovation in smartphones that wow’d me. I use it when I’m driving to hold and charge my phone and I have MagSafe chargers around the house.

Google has recognised how incredible this technology is and announced that it will feature on the new Pixel range of devices.

For me, this is the big headline announcement from the event.

What Pixel Snap Products are Available?

Google is bringing its all-new Pixel Snap accessory ecosystem to the market, offering a full lineup designed for seamless, MagSafe-style convenience.

Available from launch, you’ll find the Pixel Snap Charger (wireless charging puck) and Pixel Snap Charging Stand (upright desk charger) for easy, fast charging at home or work. For on-the-go power, the Pixel Snap Battery Pack magnetically snaps to your Pixel for instant extra battery, no wires, no fuss.

Pixel Snap Charger. Image: Google.

There’s also the Pixel Snap Wallet, a slim accessory that attaches securely to the back of your Pixel and keeps cards handy. And of course, every device gets official protection with the Pixel Snap Case, which not only shields your phone but unlocks the whole magnetic accessory range for both charging and daily carry.

Perfect for anyone who wants the flexibility and snap-and-go simplicity across their Pixel devices and accessories.

Is Pixel Snap and MagSafe Cross Compatible?

Yes. Google confirmed that Pixel Snap is compatible with popular MagSafe products. The system is designed so you can snap on wireless chargers and a range of MagSafe-compatible accessories for a secure and intuitive experience.

So your existing MagSafe wallets, mounts, and chargers should work with Pixel Snap, alongside Google’s own first-party accessories.

JBL launches five new audio products at Gamescom 2025

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At Gamescom 2025, JBL has announced five new products: three Quantum gaming headsets, all powered by an updated JBL QuantumENGINE, and two open-ear lifestyle headphones built on the company’s JBL OpenSound technology.

Quantum series refreshed with new engine and flagship headset

The gaming-focused JBL Quantum 950, 650, and 250 headsets headline JBL’s Gamescom 2025 announcement. All three are built around a new 50mm carbon dynamic driver and run on the upgraded JBL QuantumENGINE, which now delivers Quantum Spatial Sound across the entire range for the first time. This is a nice addition, ensuring similar technological advance is available to consumers regardless of budget.

JBL says the new Quantum series introduces a “refreshed design” aimed at greater comfort for long sessions. Availability dates for the Quantum headsets have not yet been confirmed, so I’ll updated this article once I know and also include links to reviews when we get the products in for testing.

JBL Quantum 950

The Quantum 950 is JBL’s flagship gaming headset and introduces active noise cancelling, 3D head tracking, and a wireless base station that doubles as a charging dock and 2.4 GHz dongle. It uses a dual hot-swappable battery system, with each cell rated at 25 hours.

The headset includes a flip-up 6 mm boom microphone with mute LED, Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.4 GHz wireless, along with support for multipoint connections. The headset will be available in black and white, with RGB now limited to just the base station. The Quantum 950 will be available in Ireland for €349.99.

JBL Quantum 650

The JBL Quantum 650 was also revealed at Gamescome 2025, and it covers the mid-range as a wireless headset featuring the same driver platform and spatial audio, but without ANC or the charging dock. It will work across PC and console.

JBL lists the battery as 45 hours. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity and features RGB lighting on the earcups. You’ll be able to pick these up in black, white, purple, and teal for €149.99.

JBL Quantum 250

Rounding out the Gamescom 2025 announcements for JBL’s gaming range is the Quantum 250. JBL call this their “plug and play hero”. This is positioned as the company’s the entry-level wired gaming headset. Despite being positioned as a budget option, the Quantum 250 retains the upgraded 50 mm drivers and QuantumENGINE enhancements.

It comes with a detachable boom mic and LED lighting accents, and will be available in black, white, purple, and teal for just €59.99.

Open-ear headphones expand lifestyle range

Outside of JBL’s gaming announcements, the audio specialists also announced two new open-ear models (open ear being something I’m enjoying lately).

JBL Soundgear CLIPS

JBL also announced the Soundgear CLIPS, a lightweight clip-on ear-mounted speakers using air-conduction drivers to keep ears unblocked. The SonicArc design is intended to boost bass and minimise leakage. They feature a 4-microphone array with AI noise reduction, touch controls with app customisation, and IP54 splash resistance.

Battery life is 8 hours plus 24 from the case, with a 10-minute quick charge giving 3 hours of use. They will come in five translucent finishes, including Copper Ghost, Black Ghost, White Ghost, Blue Ghost, and Purple Ghost costing €129.99 and will be available mid-October 2025.

JBL Sense Pro

Finally, to complete JBL’s announcements, is the JBL Sense PRO. These are a more premium open-ear option combining 16.2 mm diamond-like carbon drivers with JBL OpenSound tuning. Features include Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification (via LDAC), Auracast and LE Audio support, adaptive Bass Boost, and JBL Spatial Sound.

For calls, the Sense PRO uses four microphones plus a voice pickup sensor. Rated IP54, the design includes a 20-degree adjustable hinge for fit. Battery life is 38 hours total (8 on earbuds, 30 from case), with a 10-minute charge yielding 4 hours. The JBL Sense Pro will come in Grey, Blue, Purple, White, and Black, costing €179.99, also available mid-October 2025.

Fallout 2 Teaser Video Drops at Gamescom

After revealing a first look at Prime Video’s Fallout Season 2 earlier this week, a teaser trailer has dropped at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany.

Fallout Season 2 brings us to New Vegas, the location where I fell in love with the series.

You can watch the teaser below.

Laois Gardai Investigating Social Media Electric Picnic Ticket Fraud

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If you open TikTok today, you’ll be greeted with every Irish creator talking about one thing. The Electric Picnic ticket scam. As we count down the days to Ireland’s biggest music festival, reports are emerging that multiple people allege that one individual has sold them an EP ticket but not delivered the goods.

This is our Netflix documentary moment as now, on social media, multiple people have found each other to be in the same situation.

Speaking to Laois media A Garda spokesperson said that they, “are investigating a number of reported Electric Picnic ticket scams.”

There have been multiple reports on social media and on local media of EP ticket scams this year, but it remains unclear how many are linked to this one individual. Gardai went on to advise “people to be very cautious buying tickets away from official channels, and to only use official sites to buy tickets”.

Without going into further specifics, the Gardai did include details of the scam, outlining that “people are going on a photograph of a ticket that could already have been sold. Be vigilant”.

It remains to be seen how or why an individual believed such a brazen scam would go unnoticed or unpunished. Many of those affected have stated how they know the person they allege scammed them having met them in person, or recognising them from their previous endeavours.

I wanted to report on this to highlight the risks with buying tickets from unofficial sources in the lead up to Electric Picnic. Opportunists will always try to make a quick buck, and FOMO means you might drop your guard briefly and lose substantial amounts of money. Even if you think you know the person selling, remember that it could be someone using their new found clout or it could be AI-powered fakery. As the CCPC has said, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.

Shopping Outside Ireland or EU Not Without Risk

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has revealed that shopping online with retailers outside the EU is causing problems for Irish shoppers, according to their latest helpline report for January to June 2025.

Online Shopping: Be Wary When Venturing from Irish or EU Site

I’d admit that I’ve ventured a fair bit away from shopping on Irish or EU websites. Getting products direct on AliExpress or TEMU has saved me money, cutting out the middle man who marks products up with margin. But, that doesn’t come without risk.

Shopping online is convenient given we all have busy lives. I find myself at times losing track of what I’ve ordered and being surprised there’s a delivery at the door again.

With an increase in online shopping, it’s no surprise that digital transactions are a flashpoint for frustration. Over 4,400 complaints to the CCPC so far this year were about online purchases, and almost 1 in 5 involved businesses outside the EU. Here, consumer protections can be much weaker. This reflects a tech trend: more people shop online, but not always safely.

This is one benefit when shopping with a website like Ochama, where I bought my smart rice cooker. Here you should be protected by EU law given the website ships from Dutch or Polish warehouses, inside the EU.

Protections of the EU

I never understand people who are anti-EU when you look at the protections it gives us. Data protection is one thing, but there are also massive consumer protections in place.

Grainne Griffin of the CCPC recommends “buying from businesses based in Ireland or other EU countries, where your consumer rights are strong. This means that if you buy a product online and the product doesn’t reflect the reviews – or if you’ve changed your mind – you have a 14-day right to cancel and receive a full refund.”

She continues with the classic advice of “if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Consumers should be very cautious of exclusively 5-star reviews or amazing deals that are out of step with other suppliers. Always do your research and if you spot a red flag, better to spend your money elsewhere”.

CCPC Online Tools

352,465 users visited the CCPC’s online Money Tools in the first half of 2025. These web-based tools help consumers find the best financial products, compare costs, and manage budgets – a real example of digital empowerment for consumers.

The CCPC has called for the government to create an online portal where car buyers can check a used car’s mileage, previous accidents, safety recalls, and import status. That’s a big tech-forward recommendation for consumer safety in car buying.

The CCPC also outlined that faulty goods in general and botched home improvements also top the list of complaints to the CCPC.

Fallout Season 2: First Look at New Vegas

Amazon’s Prime Video and Kilter Films have revealed the first-look images for Season 2 of Fallout, the acclaimed series based on the legendary video game franchise. This has been highly anticipated as Season 1 successfully satisfied highly expectant fans and newbies to the franchise.

Following Season 1’s explosive finale, viewers will return to the wasteland. But this time traveling through the Mojave to the post-apocalyptic city of New Vegas. Expect more humour, violence, and signature Fallout weirdness as the story of haves and have-nots unfolds 200 years after the apocalypse, where survivors from luxury vaults are stunned by the wild world their ancestors left behind.

Images from Prime Video.

The new season will debut globally in December, only on Prime Video.

Xiaomi 3L Multifunctional Smart Rice Cooker Review

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Everyone is so obsessed with air fryers. I’ll never fully understand why everyone gets so excited about something their oven can do. Especially when all that excitement should be dedicated towards rice cookers instead. For years I’ve threatened to buy a top rice cooker, and I finally have. The Xiaomi MFB120A-1 3L Multifunctional Smart Rice Cooker has made making perfect rice at home every time a doddle. I love it. Here’s why.

Common Rice Cooking Problems Solved

Now, to start out, if you can’t remember the last time you ate or cooked rice, this probably isn’t the review for you. I’m not really sure how you ended up here. Because I’ve ended up here after years of using a €20 rice cooker I bought in Argos or microwaving €2.50 packs from Asia Market and telling myself I really need to learn how to make amazing rice at home.

I was utterly tired of either mushy rice, rice being overcooked or rice being stuck to whatever I’m cooking it in. Everyone says making amazing rice at home isn’t overly difficult, yet I’ve only managed it since getting this new smart Xiaomi rice cooker. The smart part really isn’t all that important, but it’s how I pass this as a business expense (that’s a joke, but really maybe it shouldn’t be).

My old rice cooker had lost a lot of the non-stick surface which meant I was getting rice sticking to the base, crusting to itself, or burning.

You will probably laugh at how passionately I speak about the Xiaomi rice cooker, but it really makes me want to cook rice dishes on a regular basis. No more mushy rice or constant checking. The smart rice cooker promises foolproof results and consistent texture, from fluffy basmati to perfect sushi rice.

Smart Features & Daily Use

I’m going to start with a sizeable criticism of the rice cooker. You need to be a little organised. Perfect rice, as simple as it seems, requires time. This rice cooker generally needs an hour to make perfect rice. Normally not an issue because dinner takes time in general, but if you just realised you’re hungry in a hurry – it’s not ideal.

But that small criticism aside, it really does make amazing rice. You can fully control this smart rice cooker on the cooker itself, but I like using the app. It’s wild, but you can plug in the exact type of rice you’re making and the cooker will make some small adjustments to make sure it cooked to perfection.

Homemade rice with the Xiaomi Smart Rice Cooker. Image: Marty Meany

I’ve made basmati rice and Japanese rice – both taking an hour and both being absolutely perfect. If you’re making something like brown rice, the cooking time will go closer to an hour and forty-five minutes, and congee (a type of rice porridge that is popular across many Asian countries) around an hour and a half. Each mode tweaks the cooking time and heat profile to suit the grain, so brown rice gets the extra time it needs to soften, while congee is gently simmered into a porridge.

Smart cooking options for all rice types. Image: Marty Meany

A massive bonus with the model of rice cooker I bought is the steaming tray. I line this with a bit of baking paper and put frozen dumplings in for the last 25 minutes with the rice. When the rice is done, I then pop the dumplings on a pan to crisp them up (personal preference – you can just steam them). You can also steam vegetables – naturally.

The rice cooker will keep the rice nice and warm without drying out for as long as need. In fact, it can go for a day keeping rice warm. Recently, I tested out reheating rice too. I put in a few spoons of water (far less than the 1:1 cups of water:rice for cooking) and it reheated it perfectly. So no harm making more than you need for lunch.

I do have to say that the smart features are very much a “nice to have”. I don’t need an app-controled rice cooker I can tweak from outside my home, but I can. I guess if I was to read more into it, I’d find that some people set it up in the morning and have it come on during the day at some stage so the rice is cooked just as I come in. Now, I use the smart features – but they are not essential.

Buying the Xiaomi 3L Smart Rice Cooker

If you are in the market for a new rice cooker, I can strongly recommend this one. And I’ll wrap that up below in terms of why I love it. But I need to tell you where I bought mine.

Over the past few years, I’ve been to South Korea, Japan and China. I love the culture and the food. Having some insider information on how to buy goods from so far away is helpful. I’m very fortunate to have a Chinese friend that helps me navigate these kinds of purchases.

She introduced me to Ochama. Ochama operates in 24 European countries, most importantly including Ireland. This same rice cooker would have cost me nearly €65 on Amazon.ie. To buy from Ochama, it cost just €39.99. Delivery cost €11.99 but I got a €5 off voucher, meaning I still got a great deal.

Happy with my first Ochama order. Image: Marty Meany

Ochama is one of those websites that you could easily spend a fortune on. Not because of the prices, but because they have so many interesting products, including grocerics beyond electronics.

Really, I only wanted and probably needed a 1.5L rice cooker. But bizzarely this model was cheaper despite being bigger. I had seen several restaurants in China using Xiaomi cookers at your table, so I figured it would be a sound purchase.

It is important to note that this cooker came with an EU two-prong plug. You’ll either need an adapter or alternate cable for it.

Xiaomi Smart Rice Cooker: The Goosed Verdict

If you like cooking, particularly dishes with rice, it’s an absolute no brainer to have a good rice cooker. I’ve used this cooker to make katsu curry, various bowls, including Mexican style dishes too. I often find myself discovering plenty of healthy recipes with rice at their core and these dishes are often perfect for meal preps, particularly if you get yourself a bento box for lunches.

Being able to cook great rice, should trump everything you can do in an airfrier (assuming you do have an oven too).

The Xiaomi smart rice cooker is available for under €50, which to me is affordable. Now, you may be able to get other rice cookers that are just as good, cheaper, without smart features etc. But this happens to be the one that I bought, thinking it was good value and having the seal of approval from a Chinese friend make it a no brainer purchase for me. Every single time I’ve used it since, I’ve said to myself – that’s money well spent. I would have been happy with the 1.5L model, but happy I have the extra capacity for some sort of emergency or lunches!

Checking out Ochama means you can easily get this rice cooker delivered to Ireland too, an app/website I’ve used myself and am happy with.

Pete the Irish Pilot Teams Up With Carl Mullan to Land a Plane

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I blew the minds of a few lads recently while at a football match. We were going to somewhere in Northern England that was serviced by Aer Lingus Regional and the ATR-72. That’s the wee prop plane. You’ll know if you were on one. But I love them. It got me talking about flight simulator and how much I enjoy giving routes a lash on my gaming PC. You never know when you might have to flight the plane home from Newcastle away.

So imagine my joy when I saw that Pete the Irish Pilot and RTÉ presenter Carl Mullan had teamed up to create a video on YouTube to see if the duo could land a plane into Dublin.

Who is Pete the Irish Pilot?

If you haven’t been following Peter the Irish Pilot on Instagram, you’ve been missing out – regardless of your interest in flying. He is Pete Hutchison, an ex-commercial and military pilot from Belfast, Ireland. He has over 40 years of flying experience and more than 20,000 flight hours.

After years of commentary on the aviation industry, Pete started his social accounts and YouTube channel, regularly commenting on viral events and bad landings. What you’ll typically notice is that he doesn’t have a filter, which is great when a pilot makes an arse of a landing. Pete lets you know all about it.

Who is Carl Mullan?

Carl Mullan probably doesn’t need as much of an introduction. He’s been growing from strength to strength in recent years. Carl is is an Irish radio and television broadcaster, podcast host, and general content creator. He currently co-hosts the “2FM Breakfast” show and has just been announced as Rose of Tralee MC for 2025.

A couple of years ago, before rising inside the RTÉ ranks, Carl was also a massive fan of Casey Neistat. So that title of “content creator” doesn’t come lightly. His YouTube videos are edited in a similar style to Neistat and regularly as funny and entertaining.

Another massively important thing in Carl’s life is aviation. He’s a plane nerd. If you follow his Instagram, you won’t have to wait long to see him at Dublin Airport with his kids monitoring planes landing, or not at Dublin Airport absolutely fuming that he’s missed a rare Antonov AN-124.

So you could argue it was only a matter of time until Pete and Carl met and created a video. And that time has come.

Carl Mullan Flying a Plane

In Pete the Irish Pilot’s most recent video, he takes Carl into a Boeing 737 simulator setup in Swords. I’m not going to spoil the video, but I will say I highly recommend watching it because if you only know one, or neither, of the two guys – it’s a great intro.

It’s also highly interesting to see non-pilots taking on the controls of a plane. Because surely we’ve all wondered if it came to it – would we be able to land a plane?

Throughout you get the classic humour of Carl, who is also giddy at nerding out over planes, and Pete’s unfiltered approach to coaching. For example, when Carl asks ATC what he should do next, Pete gives him an encouraging, “just land the f*****g thing”.

Watch Carl Mullan Landing a Plane

And if you enjoyed that, you’ll probably like when Tom Scott tried to do the same thing. This one has less cursing, so it’s naturally more boring.