All posts by Matt Porter

2026, 3D Printing, additive manufacturing, formnext, Formnext 2026, Frankfurt

Formnext 2026 Names the UK as Partner Country and That Is a Big Deal for Additive Manufacturing

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The United Kingdom has been announced as the official partner country for Formnext 2026, and if you work anywhere near industrial 3D printing, this is genuinely significant news.

Formnext 2026 will take place in Frankfurt from 17 to 20 November 2026, and the choice of the UK as partner country reflects just how far British Additive Manufacturing has come. From advanced materials and machine development to real-world industrial applications, the UK is now firmly embedded in the global AM ecosystem.

According to the organisers, Formnext is also entering the year with fresh momentum, placing a stronger focus on key user industries such as orthopaedics, aviation and automotive manufacturing. In short, this is not just a celebration of technology, but a clear signal that industrial 3D printing has moved well beyond the experimental phase.

Why the UK as Partner Country Matters

The UK has long punched above its weight in manufacturing technology, and Additive Manufacturing is no exception. Established names like Renishaw sit alongside fast-growing innovators such as Wayland Additive, supported by a steady pipeline of start-ups, research institutions and industrial users.

From aerospace and defence through to healthcare and energy, British companies are not just adopting AM technologies, they are helping to define how they are used at scale. That combination of research depth and practical application is exactly what Formnext is about.

The UK’s Additive Manufacturing sector is also being actively coordinated through Additive Manufacturing UK, which aims to bring industry, academia and government together to accelerate adoption and innovation. Being named partner country puts that collective effort firmly on the world stage.

A Stronger Focus on Real Industry Use

One of the most interesting aspects of the Formnext 2026 announcement is the increased focus on specific user industries. Rather than talking about AM in abstract terms, the organisers are deliberately highlighting where it is already delivering tangible benefits.

Orthopaedics, aviation and automotive manufacturing are all sectors where Additive Manufacturing is proving its worth, whether that is through lightweight components, patient-specific implants or rapid tooling and production aids.

To support this, Formnext will be running AM-focused events throughout 2026 at major industry exhibitions, including AERO Friedrichshafen, OT-World in Leipzig and Automechanika Frankfurt. The idea is simple and sensible: meet potential users where they already are and show them what industrial 3D printing can actually do.

Record Numbers and a New Hall Layout

Formnext 2025 marked the event’s tenth anniversary and welcomed a record 38,282 visitors, which is a strong indicator of where the industry is heading. For 2026, visitors can also expect a new and improved hall structure across three levels in Halls 11.0, 12.0 and 12.1.

The goal here is to improve visitor flow, reduce walking distances and create a more coherent experience overall. Anyone who has spent long days navigating large trade shows will appreciate why that matters.

Early Bird Booking Still Open

For exhibitors, there is also a practical incentive to act quickly. Early bird discounts are available until 2 March 2026, making this an ideal moment for UK companies in particular to secure their presence at what promises to be a landmark event.

With the UK in the spotlight, a renewed focus on real industrial applications and a clear upward trend in global interest, Formnext 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most important Additive Manufacturing events of the year.

You can find exhibitor information and registration details via the official Formnext website

2026, Hacking, Security

Think Before You Scan: That QR Code May Be a Scam

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QR codes have become part of everyday life. Parking meters, restaurant menus, parcels, emails. A quick scan feels harmless. That is exactly why cybercriminals are increasingly abusing them.

This growing threat is known as quishing, short for QR code phishing. Instead of asking you to click a suspicious link, attackers persuade you to scan a code that quietly sends you somewhere you really did not intend to go.

At the start of January, the FBI issued a warning about a wave of attacks linked to North Korean cybercriminals who were using fake QR codes to harvest personal information. Security experts say this is not just a US problem. Similar attacks are now appearing across multiple countries, including the UK, as criminals look for new ways to make money.

The technique is simple but effective. Fake QR codes are placed over legitimate ones in public locations such as parking machines, cafés and kiosks. Scan the code and you are redirected to a convincing looking website that may ask for payment details or login credentials. Last year, UK government bodies warned motorists about QR stickers on parking meters that led victims to spoofed payment pages.

QR codes are also being used in email attacks. In one example highlighted by the FBI, a state sponsored group embedded malicious QR codes in emails to employees, presenting them as a way to download extra information. Scan first, think later. That is what the attackers are counting on.

According to cybersecurity experts at Planet VPN, the outcome is usually the same wherever the QR code appears. Once scanned, users are forwarded to a fake site designed to look genuine, whether that is a restaurant menu or a payment page. From there, credit card details, passwords or even full device access can be compromised.

Planet VPN co founder Konstantin Levinzon explains why QR codes are proving so effective. People tend to trust them. They became widespread during the pandemic and still do not trigger the same suspicion as a dodgy looking link. The risk feels lower because there is no visible URL to inspect, just a quick scan.

There is another reason attackers favour QR codes in emails. Many anti phishing systems analyse text and links but do not properly inspect images. A QR code can slip through where a traditional phishing email might be blocked. Even when detection improves, attackers adapt by changing colours or designs to evade filters.

The scale of the problem is significant. Cybersecurity researchers estimate that millions of QR related threats were recorded in just the first half of last year, and experts believe the real number is likely higher due to undetected scams.

Think Before You Scan: That QR Code May Be a Scam
Think Before You Scan: That QR Code May Be a Scam

So what should you do?

Be deliberate about scanning QR codes. Ask yourself why it is there and whether it makes sense. If a scan takes you to a site asking for payment or login details, treat that as a serious warning sign.

If a QR code arrives via email from someone you do not know, or even someone you do know but were not expecting to hear from, pause and verify it before entering any details or downloading anything.

Most importantly, apply the same common sense you would use elsewhere online. Stay sceptical. Use a VPN on public Wi Fi. Keep your devices updated. Use strong passwords and enable multi factor authentication wherever possible.

QR codes are convenient, but convenience is often what attackers exploit. A second of caution can save a great deal of hassle later.

2026, 3D, 3D Printing

Elegoo Unveils a New Chapter in Desktop 3D Printing with the Centauri Carbon 2 Series

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There’s a smell that stays with me from my earliest forays into additive fabrication — the warm tang of PLA as fresh layers nestle into place under a glowing nozzle, the low hum of stepper motors dancing through another night of prints in my workshop. Over the years I’ve watched the 3D printing landscape evolve, machines becoming faster, more capable and kinder to the budding maker. Today there’s a fresh breeze on the horizon as Elegoo lifts the curtain on its latest creations: the eagerly anticipated Centauri Carbon 2 and its fully fledged sibling, the Centauri Carbon 2 Combo.

Elegoo Unveils a New Chapter in Desktop 3D Printing with the Centauri Carbon 2 Series
Elegoo Unveils a New Chapter in Desktop 3D Printing with the Centauri Carbon 2 Series

Traditionally, multicolour 3D printing has been a pursuit laced with complexity. Intricate purge towers, multiple extruders or tool-changing heads are often the price of entry. Elegoo’s new Carbon 2 family promises to change that narrative. With a CANVAS multicolour system that handles up to four filaments and even lets you switch colours mid-print, the Combo aims to bring vibrant, multi-hued prints to makers who might otherwise shy away from such workflows.

The heart of both machines remains faithful to what made the original Carbon such a joy: a CoreXY motion platform that sings with precision and speed, and a 256 × 256 × 256 mm build area that gives you room to dream — be it scenic terrain for your table-top battles or functional parts for your next project.

Elegoo Unveils a New Chapter in Desktop 3D Printing with the Centauri Carbon 2 Series

For those who relish material versatility, the Carbon 2 and Combo step things up with a 350 °C hardened steel nozzle, letting you venture beyond PLA into PETG, TPU and engineering-grade filaments that demand a bit more heat. Auto-leveling and intelligent sensor systems help reduce the faff of setup, giving you more time at the keyboard tweaking slicer settings or sipping tea as layers stack into life.

Watching a four-colour print unfold is something special. The transparent glass door on the Combo lets you glimpse that slow symphony of motion as filament dancers on their own tiny stages blend and separate to form gradients and patterns that used to be the exclusive domain of much larger machines.

Elegoo Unveils a New Chapter in Desktop 3D Printing with the Centauri Carbon 2 Series

From a personal perspective, the arrival of these printers feels like watching a familiar friend return from an extended journey having brought back new skills and stories. There’s a tangible sense that desktop additive fabrication is growing up, without leaving the joy of hands-on making behind.

Both models are now available direct from Elegoo’s UK store and global channels, with the Combo bringing multicolour creativity within reach of hobbyists, educators and professionals alike. Prices start at an accessible point for what is fundamentally a step change in capability, and if you’ve ever found yourself yearning for more expressive prints without wanting to wrestle with complexity, these new Carbon 2 machines may be the ticket.

Elegoo Unveils a New Chapter in Desktop 3D Printing with the Centauri Carbon 2 Series

As with all tools of creation, the true magic isn’t in the spec sheet or glossy launch photos — it’s in the quiet hours spent watching your imagination take shape, layer by patient layer.

2026, NordVPN, Passwords

Why ‘123456’ Is Still Ruining Business Security

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There are some things you expect to see in 2026. AI everywhere. Electric cars quietly taking over. Smart homes that know when you have run out of milk.

What you do not expect is that one of the biggest threats to company security is still someone typing 123456 into a login box.

Yet here we are.

A recent piece of research from NordPass lays it all bare. After analysing huge volumes of passwords exposed in real world data breaches, the conclusion is both fascinating and slightly terrifying. Business passwords are often no better than the ones we were being warned about twenty years ago.

The same bad habits, everywhere

Across sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, tech and finance, the patterns repeat themselves. Simple number sequences dominate. Obvious choices like 123456, 123456789 and password keep cropping up. In some cases people are even using their own email address as the password.

That last one is particularly grim. If your username is already public, you have effectively handed an attacker half the keys to the building.

What struck me most was how universal this problem is. This is not a single careless industry or a few unlucky firms. It is a human behaviour issue. Convenience beats caution every time unless systems are designed to protect us from ourselves.

Why attackers love this

From an attacker’s point of view, weak passwords are a gift. Automated tools can try millions of common combinations in seconds. If employees reuse passwords across systems, one breach can quietly unlock several more doors.

This is often how serious incidents begin. Not with Hollywood style hacking, but with someone guessing a password that should never have existed in the first place.

The uncomfortable truth for businesses

Here is the bit that matters. This is not really a technical problem. The tools to fix it have existed for years.

Strong password policies. Password managers. Multi factor authentication. Alerts for leaked credentials. None of this is exotic or expensive anymore.

What is missing is consistency and enforcement. Many organisations still rely on guidance rather than rules, or assume that staff will naturally do the right thing. History shows they will not, especially when speed and convenience are rewarded.

What actually works

From everything I have seen over the years, both professionally and personally, a few things make the biggest difference.

First, remove the burden from users. A good password manager means nobody has to remember anything clever.

Second, enforce unique passwords everywhere. No exceptions.

Third, enable multi factor authentication wherever possible, especially for email and admin accounts.

Finally, treat leaked passwords as inevitable, not hypothetical. Monitor for them and act quickly.

Still relevant, still risky

It is easy to laugh at 123456. It feels like a joke from the early days of the internet. But when that same password is still opening real company systems today, it stops being funny very quickly.

The NordPass research is a useful reminder that cybersecurity does not always fail at the cutting edge. More often, it fails at the front door.

And the front door is still wide open far too often.

2026, Audio, CES, CES 2026, Gadget Man, Speakers, Streaming

Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90

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At CES in Las Vegas, Edifier continued its push beyond traditional desktop audio with the announcement of the M90 Compact Active Speaker. Building on the design thinking behind the M60, the M90 is positioned as a flexible, high-resolution audio solution for desks, bookshelves, and TV setups alike.

The M90 reflects a broader shift in how speakers are expected to perform. Rather than serving a single purpose, it is designed to move comfortably between work, gaming, music, and home entertainment.

Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90

Compact design with serious output

Despite its relatively small footprint, the M90 delivers a combined 100 watts RMS of output, split across a bi-amped 2.0 configuration. Each speaker combines a 4-inch long-throw aluminium mid-low driver with a 1-inch silk dome tweeter, driven by high-efficiency Class-D amplification.

Measuring just 133 mm wide, 212 mm high, and 225 mm deep per speaker, the M90 is compact enough for desktop use while offering sufficient output to fill a room. This balance of size and power is central to its appeal, especially in multi-use spaces where equipment needs to stay discreet.

Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90

End-to-end high-resolution audio processing

At the core of the M90 is a fully digital signal path supporting 24-bit, 96 kHz high-resolution audio. The system uses an active crossover with dynamic range control to maintain smooth transitions between frequencies and balanced sound reproduction at different listening levels.

Both Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications underline Edifier’s focus on fidelity, whether audio is delivered via wired connections or over Bluetooth.

Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90

HDMI eARC and wide connectivity

One of the most notable features of the M90 is the inclusion of HDMI eARC, a connection typically associated with soundbars and AV receivers rather than compact active speakers. This allows the M90 to connect directly to compatible TVs for high-bandwidth audio transmission, simplifying setups and reducing the need for additional hardware.

Alongside HDMI eARC, the M90 offers optical, USB-C, and analogue AUX inputs, making it compatible with a wide range of devices including computers, media players, and turntables. A dedicated subwoofer output is also included for users who want to extend low-frequency performance with an external sub.

Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90

Modern Bluetooth and app control

Wireless connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 6.0 with support for the LDAC codec, enabling high-resolution audio streaming at up to 990 kbps from compatible Android devices. Bluetooth multipoint is supported and can be enabled through the EDIFIER ConneX mobile app, allowing easy switching between multiple sources.

Physical control is managed via a rear-mounted control knob for power, volume, and source selection, complemented by a 2.4 GHz omnidirectional remote. When connected via HDMI eARC, HDMI CEC allows volume and power control directly from a TV remote.

Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90

Customisable sound for different uses

The M90 includes three preset sound modes accessible via the remote, with further sound shaping available through a 9-band EQ in the EDIFIER ConneX app. Users can tailor the sound to suit music, gaming, or TV viewing, and manage inputs, playback, and settings from a single interface.

A clear signal of where active speakers are heading

With the M90, Edifier is clearly positioning compact active speakers as central audio devices rather than accessories. By combining high-resolution processing, HDMI eARC connectivity, modern Bluetooth, and app-based control in a compact form, the M90 points toward a future where a single pair of speakers can handle most everyday listening scenarios without compromise.

2026, Audio, Gadget Man, Majority, Streaming

Majority unveils the Move range of portable Bluetooth speakers

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Portable speakers are no longer just about being loud enough for the kitchen. They have become everyday companions that move with us from room to room, into the garden, and occasionally into a backpack. With that in mind, Majority has announced its new Move range, a family of four portable Bluetooth speakers designed and developed in the UK, with pricing that looks deliberately disruptive.

Launched from Cambridge, the Move range includes the Move M1, M2, M3 and M4, each stepping up in size, power and capability. Across the range, Majority has focused on simple usability, rugged builds, waterproofing, and the latest connectivity features including Bluetooth 6.0 and true wireless stereo pairing.

According to Majority founder Eddie Latham, the aim was straightforward. Build fun, modern speakers that match how people actually listen to music every day, while delivering features usually reserved for higher price points.

Move M1: small speaker, big stamina

The Move M1 is the entry point, and arguably the most surprising. It is palm sized, lightweight, and designed to be genuinely portable rather than something that just looks the part.

Despite its compact dimensions, the M1 delivers a claimed 70 hours of playtime, which is remarkable at this size and price. It is water resistant to IPX5, making it suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, or hanging from a backpack using the built in strap.

This is the kind of speaker you leave on a desk for podcasts, take into the shower, or hand to kids for audiobooks. Pair two together and you get proper stereo sound without complication.

Key specs

  • 12W output
  • Bluetooth 6.0
  • Up to 70 hours playtime
  • IPX5 water resistance
  • TWS stereo pairing
  • Hands free calling
  • USB C fast charging
  • £29.95

Move M2: more presence, more flexibility

The Move M2 builds directly on the M1, offering a fuller and more confident sound while still remaining easy to carry around. This is the sweet spot for shared spaces, whether that is a kitchen, workshop or a casual gathering with friends.

What really sets the M2 apart is flexibility. In addition to Bluetooth, it supports USB, AUX and Micro SD card playback, allowing you to play music without a phone entirely. Dynamic LED lighting adds a visual element without feeling over the top.

Key specs

  • 30W output
  • Bluetooth 6.0
  • Up to 30 hours playtime
  • IPX7 waterproofing
  • USB, AUX and Micro SD playback
  • TWS stereo pairing
  • Dynamic LED lights
  • £49.95

Move M3: proper power, still portable

If you want noticeably more punch, the Move M3 steps things up with increased power and improved bass performance. This is the model aimed at people who want room filling sound or something that can hold its own outdoors.

Despite the extra output, the M3 remains portable and practical, with IPX7 waterproofing and long battery life. It still supports stereo pairing, multiple playback options and LED lighting, making it a strong all rounder for home and away use.

Key specs

  • 40W output
  • Bluetooth 6.0
  • Up to 30 hours playtime
  • IPX7 waterproofing
  • USB, AUX and Micro SD playback
  • TWS stereo pairing
  • Dynamic LED lights
  • £79.95

Move M4: built for social listening

At the top of the range sits the Move M4, the most powerful speaker in the lineup. With 70W of output, it is designed for social spaces, larger rooms, and gatherings where volume and bass matter.

Like the rest of the Move range, two M4 units can be paired for stereo sound, effectively turning them into a portable sound system. Despite its size, it remains rechargeable, waterproof, and easy to move around.

Key specs

  • 70W output
  • Bluetooth 6.0
  • Up to 30 hours playtime
  • IPX7 waterproofing
  • USB, AUX and Micro SD playback
  • TWS stereo pairing
  • Dynamic LED lights
  • £119.95

Availability and pricing

Majority Move M1 £29.95

Majority Move M2 £49.95

Majority Move M3 £79.95

Majority Move M4 £119.95

The range will be available from Amazon, Currys and Argos.

The Gadget Man verdict

Majority has clearly put thought into how people actually use portable speakers, not just how loud they can go. Bluetooth 6.0, stereo pairing across the range, long battery life and waterproofing make the Move lineup feel modern and well judged.

At these prices, especially at the M1 and M2 end, this is a range that looks set to appeal to students, families, and anyone who wants fuss free audio that can move with them through daily life. I will be keen to get hands on with them soon.

2026, Audio, Home Audio, Sonos, Sound Bars, Streaming, Surround

Sonos Arc Ultra Review: With Sub 4 and Ace: a system that finally feels complete

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There was always something quietly impressive about the Sonos Arc Ultra. Even before the latest software updates, it delivered an expansive, room-filling Dolby Atmos experience from a single, discreet soundbar. What has changed is not how it looks, or even fundamentally how it sounds, but how finished the entire system now feels.

This is no longer just a very good soundbar. It is the centre of a genuinely flexible home cinema and personal listening system.

Design and presence

Arc Ultra remains a masterclass in restraint. Its slim, curved profile and matte finish allow it to sit beneath large televisions without shouting for attention. It does not block bezels, it does not dominate the room, and it blends in far better than most high-end audio hardware.

Sonos Arc Ultra Review: With Sub 4 and Ace: a system that finally feels complete
Sonos Arc Ultra Review: With Sub 4 and Ace: a system that finally feels complete

That calm design language continues into daily use. There are no flashing lights, no distracting displays, and no sense that you are living with a piece of “tech” rather than a home product.

Sound quality: wide, controlled, and confident

On its own, Arc Ultra delivers a convincing 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos presentation. Sound does not simply fire forwards; it spreads across the room, with effects placed to the sides and above in a way that feels natural rather than exaggerated.

Dialogue is consistently clear, helped by Sonos’ enhanced Speech Enhancement options. Voices cut through dense mixes without sounding artificially boosted, and the balance of music and effects remains intact. It is one of those features you quickly stop thinking about because it just works.

Bass performance from the soundbar alone is impressive thanks to Sonos’ Sound Motion™ woofer, but pairing Arc Ultra with the Sub 4 (£799) transforms the experience. Low frequencies gain genuine physical presence. Explosions hit harder, music gains weight, and the overall soundstage feels more grounded. Importantly, the Sub integrates seamlessly. It never draws attention to itself.

Sonos Ace: the update that changes everything

At £399, Sonos Ace headphones were already strong, but the recent major software update fundamentally changes their role in the system.

TrueCinema is the standout. Instead of collapsing sound into your head, it recreates the acoustic character of your room inside the headphones. Watching a film feels like you are still sitting in front of the TV, just privately. It is not a gimmick. It is genuinely convincing.

The updated TV Audio Swap for two is equally important. Two people can now listen to the same TV audio simultaneously on their own Ace headphones, perfectly in sync. Late-night viewing, shared spaces, or simply different listening preferences suddenly become non-issues.

Noise cancellation has also been refined, adapting in real time to glasses, hair, or hats, while call quality feels more natural thanks to improved voice handling and SideTone.

Why software matters here

This is where Sonos quietly pulls away from many rivals.

None of these improvements required new hardware. Arc Ultra, Sub 4, and Ace simply became better through software. Features that would normally justify a new product launch arrived overnight, free of charge.

This matters because it changes the value equation. You are not just buying hardware as it exists today. You are buying into a platform designed to evolve.

In a market obsessed with fast churn, this feels refreshingly grown-up.

Short verdict

The Sonos Arc Ultra system now feels complete.
With Sub 4 adding authority and Ace headphones transformed by TrueCinema and dual-listener TV Audio Swap, this is no longer just a soundbar setup. It is a flexible, future-proof home audio system that adapts to how people actually live.

Sonos Arc Ultra (with Sub 4 and Ace)
9.5 / 10

Pros

  • Exceptional Dolby Atmos performance from a single bar
  • Seamless integration with Sub 4
  • TrueCinema on Ace is genuinely transformative
  • Dual-listener TV audio is brilliantly practical
  • Software updates meaningfully improve value over time

Cons

  • Premium pricing
  • Full experience requires buying into the ecosystem

Final thoughts

At £999 for Arc Ultra, this is premium territory. Add the Sub 4 and Ace and the investment grows. But unlike many premium systems, this one earns its place over time.

This is not about excess or spec-sheet bravado. It is about refinement, flexibility, and sound that adapts to real life.

Sonos has not reinvented home audio here.
It has quietly perfected it!

2026, Tech Tips, Technology

Why a Printer is Still Relevant in 2026

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You might think that in 2026, printers are relics of the past like floppy disks or dial up Internet, but the truth is that a printer still holds an important place in homes and offices, especially when paired with a reliable HP ink or other quality supplies. We definitely do live in more of a digital world these days where emails, PDFs, and cloud storage dominate, but sometimes nothing beats having a physical copy in your hand.

There are moments when a digital version of anything just doesn’t cut it.Think last minute forms, boarding passes, or important contracts that need a signature. Printers can be a convenience here, so instead of scrambling for any coffee shop or hunting for Wi-Fi, a home or office printer can save the day. Printing at home is faster, easier, and is much less stressful than running errands in rush hour traffic.

Image source: Pexels

Printers also remain essential for education and creative projects. Students still need hard copies for essays, artwork and science projects. Parents and hobbyists use printers for scrapbooking, DIY gifts or personalized decorations. There is something undeniably satisfying about holding a colourful poster, a photo collage, or a neatly printed schedule. These are some things that just don’t translate the same on a screen. Even in an eco conscious era, printers have adapted many modern models that are energy efficient, duplex capable, and use recycled or refillable cartridges. High quality inks like HP Ink ensures longevity and reduces waste by producing vibrant prints at last. So contrary to what some might think, printing isn’t about waste, but about making the most of physical media where it truly matters.

Is another factor. Digital documents are convenient, but they can be hacked, lost, or misfiled. Printing sensitive documents like tax forms, legal papers, or medical information adds an extra layer of security. A hard copy is a tangible thing, and it can’t be accidentally deleted and ensures that you always have access, even if your devices fail or the Internet goes down. Also do play a role in professional settings, even in a highly digital industry, presentations proposals have asking materials often benefit from printed copies.

Sometimes physical copies can feel more polished, professional and impactful in meetings or conferences. Vibrant brochures or crisp reports can make an impression that screen just can’t replicate. And then let’s not forget the fun. Printing photos from your latest adventures or crafting personalized cards for your birthdays and holidays brings a tactile joy that screens just can’t match. We are dominated by digital everything, so printers give us a little analogue magic that feels refreshing and personal.

Finally, printers have evolved with technology. Modern printers can connect to your phone, tablet, or cloud storage seamlessly. These days, in 2026, the printer isn’t dead. It’s still adaptable, relevant, and surprisingly handy. Screens are great, but nothing beats the satisfaction of holding your work in your hands and seeing something physical rather than just on a screen.

2025, Audio, Streaming, Technology, The Gadget Man

Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life

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There is something rather special about great audio gear. Whether it is a cherished pair of bookshelf speakers from the seventies or a hefty amplifier that once powered many late nights, older kit carries a charm that refuses to fade. The trouble is that modern streaming rarely considers this history. We juggle apps, fight with compatibility issues, and often end up restricted to one manufacturer’s ecosystem.

Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life
Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life

Atonemo, a young company based in Stockholm, has stepped in with a refreshingly simple answer. Their new device, the Streamplayer, aims to bring every speaker you own into the streaming age. It works with speakers of any brand, size, or era and gives older equipment a modern purpose again.

Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life
Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life

Listening to music used to be an uncomplicated affair. You pressed play, and the sound travelled through a cable without any fuss. Today, we navigate multiple services that do not always get along. Streamplayer strips away that complexity by giving you a single, universal way to stream music across your home.

Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life
Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life

The concept is brilliantly straightforward. Streamplayer is a compact wireless audio streamer that connects to any speaker or amplifier. Once it joins your Wi Fi network, you can play music through AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, or Tidal Connect. Your vintage hi fi becomes wireless. Your modern speakers can work side by side with your older favourites. You can even synchronise completely different speakers into one unified system.

Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life
Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life

For fans of classic audio equipment, this is especially exciting. Many older speakers sound superb but lack the streaming features that modern life expects. Atonemo’s mission is to bring them back into everyday use, turning beautiful old gear into fully capable modern systems.

Atonemo’s Approach

The company was founded by two childhood friends, one a mathematician and the other a designer. Their shared passion for music and frustration with over engineered audio systems inspired them to create products that feel human, simple, and purposeful. Their philosophy focuses on clear communication and design that does exactly what it needs to do without clutter.

Key Features

Streamplayer is small, but the specification is impressive:

  • 24 bit 192 kHz audio
  • Gapless playback
  • AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect
  • Analogue line out and optical S PDIF out
  • Wi Fi 6 with WPA2 and WPA3 security
  • USB C power
  • Works with active speakers, amplifiers, hi fi systems, and vintage audio gear
Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life
Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life

Everything about it is built around compatibility and convenience. It arrives with a USB C power cable, an AUX cable, and a simple quick start guide, making setup as painless as possible.

A Simple Idea with Real Impact

The launch of Streamplayer feels like a moment for anyone who loves audio but dislikes unnecessary complication. It brings your favourite speakers back into daily use, unifies the systems you already have, and avoids locking you into any single brand.

For anyone with a cupboard full of forgotten gear or a cherished pair of speakers that deserve to be heard again, this little box might be one of the most appealing products of the season.

More information is available at atonemo.com.

2025, Audio, Cassette Player, retro, Retro Gadgets

Duran Duran teams up with We Are Rewind for a gorgeous new cassette player

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Every so often a product lands on my desk that pulls me straight back to the excitement of discovering music on a physical format. This week it is the WE-001 Duran Duran Special Edition from We Are Rewind, a modern portable cassette player created with the band’s full blessing and visual flair.

Duran Duran teams up with We Are Rewind for a gorgeous new cassette player
Duran Duran teams up with We Are Rewind for a gorgeous new cassette player

If you grew up with cassettes, you will remember the thrill of flipping an album over, hearing the clunk of the keys, and watching the spools spin. This special edition brings all of that back with a welcome dose of modern engineering. Even better, it arrives with a fresh cassette reissue of Pop Trash, complete with those familiar metallic and neon touches that have always followed Duran Duran through their career.

Duran Duran teams up with We Are Rewind for a gorgeous new cassette player
Duran Duran teams up with We Are Rewind for a gorgeous new cassette player

A cassette player built for the present day

The WE-001 looks and feels like something from the band’s own design board. The aluminium shell has a satisfyingly weighty feel, the buttons have a smooth mechanical action, and the audio side of things has been taken very seriously. A dedicated headphone amplifier gives the tapes far more presence and clarity than the portable players many of us owned the first time round.

It connects to wireless headphones and speakers thanks to Bluetooth and charges by USB C, giving around twelve hours of playback. It even records. Plug in a powered mic or use the line input and you can capture your own mixtapes in proper analogue fashion.

For anyone who wants the full nostalgic experience, a pencil is included in the box. You know exactly what that is for.

Duran Duran teams up with We Are Rewind for a gorgeous new cassette player
Duran Duran teams up with We Are Rewind for a gorgeous new cassette player

A collaboration with real heart

The band’s creative art director Andrew Day summed up the project perfectly. When Pop Trash came out, streaming barely existed. Two and a half decades later, celebrating the album with a beautifully designed cassette player feels surprisingly right. He described the finished product as “more Pop and less Trash”, which is a very neat way of putting it.

We Are Rewind founder Romain Boudruche added that Duran Duran’s long history with physical media made the project a natural fit. At a time when music discovery is often reduced to an endless scroll of digital tracks, it is refreshing to see an artist celebrate the value of something you can actually hold.

Interestingly, UK cassette sales rose by more than two hundred percent in the first quarter of this year, so the timing could not be better.

Duran Duran teams up with We Are Rewind for a gorgeous new cassette player
Duran Duran teams up with We Are Rewind for a gorgeous new cassette player

Price and availability

The WE-001 Duran Duran Special Edition is priced at £149 and is available directly from We Are Rewind. If you are a fan of the band, a lover of physical media, or simply someone who enjoys a beautifully built gadget, this is well worth a look.