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Xiaomi 15T Launches in Munich Ahead of Irish Availability

Marty
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Xiaomi 15T Launches in Munich Ahead of Irish Availability

Xiaomi has unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi 15T at a launch event in Munich. The new handset introduces new camera technology, offline communication features, and the global debut of its updated operating system, HyperOS 3.

Camera System Co-Engineered with Leica

The Xiaomi 15T features a triple-camera system developed in partnership with Leica. It includes:

  • 50MP main camera (ƒ/1.7, Leica Summilux lens, OIS)
  • 50MP telephoto camera (ƒ/1.9, 46mm focal length)
  • 12MP ultra-wide camera (ƒ/2.2, 120° FOV) 

Xiaomi’s 15T will lean on AI imaging support, they say will improve colour accuracy and depth rendering, alongside new portrait effects and Leica’s “street photography mode” for quick captures directly from the lock screen.

While I haven’t been hands on with the device beyond the launch event, when I see Leica in mobile photography, I tend to get excited.

On the video side, the device supports 4K HDR10+ recording at 30fps across all lenses, as well as 4K 60fps.

New Connectivity Features

Xiaomi is introducing what they call Astral Communication, a suite of technologies designed to improve connectivity. The headline feature is Xiaomi Offline Communication, which allows direct voice calls between 15T devices without Wi-Fi or cellular networks, with a range of up to 1.3km (increasing to 1.9km for the Pro model – not launching in Ireland).

Xiaomi highlighted that this feature is not intended for emergency use, instead is a “nice to have” feature.

Display and Design

The Xiaomi 15T features a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with up to 120Hz refresh rate, 1.5K resolution (2772 × 1280), and a peak brightness of 3200 nits, Xiaomi says making it the brightest display in the company’s lineup to date. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, which Xiaomi claims offers double the scratch resistance of the previous generation.

Xiaomi 15T atop the spoiler if a Xiaomi SU7. Image: Marty Meany.

The phone carries an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, withstanding depths of up to 3 metres in freshwater. It will be available in Black, Grey, and Rose Gold finishes, with the Black and Rose Gold launching in Ireland.

Performance and Battery

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8400-Ultra processor, the 15T comes with 12GB RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB. A 5500mAh battery supports 67W wired fast charging, with Xiaomi claiming the device can power on in under four seconds when fully drained.

The 15T is the first device to ship with Xiaomi HyperOS 3, which introduces redesigned interface elements, enhanced multitasking, and system-level AI integration via HyperAI. The update will roll out to other devices later in 2025.

Availability in Ireland

The Xiaomi 15T is priced at €649 in Ireland for the 12GB + 256GB model. It is available from:

  • Harvey Norman Ireland from 24 September 2025, bundled with a free Xiaomi Smart Projector L1.
  • Tesco Mobile Ireland from 25 September, with a €200 voucher included.
  • Vodafone Ireland from 26 September, also offering the projector bundle.
  • Eir from 1 November (Black only), bundled with a Redmi 15C 5G.

The full review of the Xiaomi 15T will be published in the coming weeks, be sure to follow Goosed on TikTok to learn more.

Anker Recalls Nearly Half a Million Power Banks Over Fire and Burn Risk

Marty
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0
Anker Recalls Nearly Half a Million Power Banks Over Fire and Burn Risk

Anker Innovations has recalled about 481,000 portable power banks in the United States after reports of overheating, fires, and burn injuries. It’s unclear if these products were also available for sale in Ireland, the UK or wider Europe. I’ve asked Anker for comment.

Regardless, if you travelled to the U.S. and purchased an Anker powerbank, it’s worth checking the details.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall on 18 September 2025. They said there had been 33 incidents, including four minor burn injuries and one case of significant property damage.

The affected models are A1647, A1652, A1257, A1681, and A1689, and the products were sold between August 2023 and June 2025 at retailers including Best Buy, Target, Amazon, AliExpress, eBay, Walmart, and TikTok, priced between $30 and $50.

As part of the recall, consumers are advised to stop using the power banks immediately and check Anker’s recall website to confirm if their unit is affected. Refunds or gift cards are being offered, but owners must submit photos of their recalled product marked as “recalled” before disposal.

The CPSC warns against throwing the recalled lithium-ion batteries into household or recycling bins due to fire hazards. Instead, consumers should contact local hazardous waste facilities for safe disposal.

Anker has provided all information on the recall over on their website, including information on how to submit your recall claim, though it does seem unclear how to complete a claim should you be affected and live outside a listed country.

This is the second powerbank recall Anker has had this year.

Irish Game Mars Attracts Launches Early Access on Steam

Marty
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0
Irish Game Mars Attracts Launches Early Access on Steam

Mars Attracts is a theme park management sim, but with some very exciting and interesting caveats. First of all, the game is set in the Mars Attacks universe. Yes, the film from over 30 years ago that’s actually based on the 1960s Topps card collection. I didn’t get it either, but it works – trust me. Secondly, this is an Irish game, developed by Outlier, a game studio with bases in Belfast and Dublin.

So let’s get to it.

What is Mars Attracts?

I’ve played a bit of Mars Attracts and already know the exact itch it scratches. If you like Theme Hospital game play and humour, with Theme Park management and sci-fi spins – this is perhaps the best game in the world for you.

The game sees you take on the role of park manager for the aliens from Mars Attacks. Your job is to abduct humans from across history to display in customisable habitats. You can keep them happy and fed, but ultimately your job is to display them for Martian visitors.

How you entertain your guess is up to you. You can put on shows of culture or cruelty, all depending on how you look after or “look after” your humans. 

Alongside the human exhibitions, you look after the regular aspects of a park; water supply, food, electricity and, of course, roller coasters and other rides.

Is Mars Attracts Worth Buying?

I met the game’s developers at Gamescom in Cologne last month. I have to admit, I didn’t really get the idea or the draw of the game’s mechanics with Mars Attacks lore. 

But I was so wrong.

I totally get it. The idea of humans being abducted for Martian pleasure is beautiful. It’s a finger point towards how horrid humans can be, but done so in such a playful manner. The game itself is also just enjoyable to play (speaking as a massive Theme Hospital, City Skylines, general sci-fi fan). 

The game, currently with a Very Positive rating and over 5,000 page follows, is now available to buy on Steam in Early Access. According to the developers, the Early Access version includes the game’s core systems, such as construction, financial and staff management, human abductions, attractions, and guest satisfaction mechanics. The game has been tested and localised, though Outlier says it will continue to monitor and address any technical issues that emerge during Early Access.

Planned updates include new maps, enclosures, amenities, and additional features shaped by community feedback. Outlier will use its Discord server to gather input from players, with the studio describing its development approach as player-guided.

The game is well worth a purchase, especially in Early Access. I can tell I’ll sink a few hours into this for sure.

About Outlier

Normally, I probably would see the need to go into specifics about Outlier, but they are Irish. Outlier Games is an indie studio based in Dublin and Belfast, known for crafting quirky, strategic games that keep players coming back for more.

Founded in 2018, this small but mighty team combines tech wizardry, creative flair, and a love for insight-driven design to deliver innovative, replayable experiences like “This Means Warp”. With a hands-on approach that values fan feedback and big ideas, Outlier Games is all about making strategy fun, fresh, and full of surprises.

Save 10% when you buy Mars Attracts now on Steam, for less than €25.

Timekettle Introduces W4 AI Interpreter Earbuds at IFA 2025

Marty
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0
Timekettle Introduces W4 AI Interpreter Earbuds at IFA 2025

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 Showcases AI-Powered Devices and IFA Berlin

Marty
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0
Anker Showcases AI-Powered Devices and IFA Berlin

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.

Eufy: Robotics for Whole-Home Cleaning

@goosed_ie My fave things from #IFA 2025. What a couple of days that was! #tech #electronics #gadgets ♬ original sound – Marty | Goosed.ie

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.

Football Manager 2026 UI Reveal: Modern Management Overhaul

Marty
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0
Football Manager 2026 UI Reveal: Modern Management Overhaul

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.

HOVERAir Launches 3 New Products at IFA 2025

Marty
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0
HOVERAir Launches 3 New Products at IFA 2025

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.

Speediance Highlights AI-Powered Fitness at IFA 2025

Marty
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0
Speediance Highlights AI-Powered Fitness at IFA 2025

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.

Plex Confirms Major Leak of Hashed Customer Data

Marty
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0
Plex Confirms Major Leak of Hashed Customer Data

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.

Irish Banks Join Forces to Launch Zippay

Marty
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0
Irish Banks Join Forces to Launch Zippay

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.

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