Tag Archives: design

2026, Creators, Gift Guides, Technology

Why This Minimalist Magnetic Toy Is Taking Over Creative Play

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There is a quiet shift happening in the world of toys. Away from noisy plastics and fixed instructions, and towards objects that invite imagination, patience and pride of place. The TRIDO Laguna range sits firmly in that space, and it is easy to see why it is gaining so much attention.

Created by TRIDO, Laguna is a premium magnetic construction set designed not around winning or finishing, but around thinking, building and displaying. It is less about knock-it-down play and more about creating something worth keeping on the shelf.

Why This Minimalist Magnetic Toy Is Taking Over Creative Play
Why This Minimalist Magnetic Toy Is Taking Over Creative Play

Built for Expression, Not Instructions

At the heart of every Laguna set are TRIDO’s distinctive geometric forms. Octahedrons, tetrahedrons and half-tetrahedrons, each engineered to connect on every side. Strong internal magnets mean pieces snap together effortlessly, giving complete freedom to explore form, balance and symmetry without frustration.

There are no instructions to follow and no final model to replicate. Instead, children are encouraged to experiment, rebuild and refine. It turns play into a creative process rather than a task, which is a refreshing change from many construction toys that funnel children towards a single outcome.

Why This Minimalist Magnetic Toy Is Taking Over Creative Play
Why This Minimalist Magnetic Toy Is Taking Over Creative Play

A Toy That Feels at Home in Grown-Up Spaces

One of the standout aspects of the Laguna range is its visual design. The calm, modern colourway feels deliberate and considered, making it something that happily lives in a family space rather than being hidden away in a toy box.

This is a magnetic construction toy that invites display. Finished builds feel sculptural, and with the included magnetic eyes, creations can become expressive characters as well as abstract forms. It blurs the line between toy, art object and learning tool in a way that feels genuinely thoughtful.

Why This Minimalist Magnetic Toy Is Taking Over Creative Play
Why This Minimalist Magnetic Toy Is Taking Over Creative Play

Open-Ended Play With Real Benefits

Laguna is designed for children aged three and up, and the benefits go well beyond entertainment. Open-ended play supports imagination, confidence and problem-solving, while naturally introducing early STEM concepts such as geometry and spatial awareness.

Fine motor skills are developed through precise placement and balance, and the lack of rules makes it equally suitable for independent play or collaborative family sessions. It is also completely screen free, which feels increasingly important in modern homes.

All pieces are made from durable, non-toxic ABS plastic with smooth, rounded edges, designed to last through years of use without losing their appeal.

Three Sizes to Grow With Your Creativity

The Laguna range is available in three sizes, making it easy to choose a set that fits both budget and ambition.

Laguna Small
A compact introduction to TRIDO, ideal for younger children, travel or gift giving.
12 pieces. £44.90

Laguna Medium
More pieces allow for more complex designs, characters and storytelling.
24 pieces. £79.90

Laguna Large
The most expansive set, perfect for collaborative play, classrooms or long creative sessions.
34 pieces. £129.00

Each size builds on the same core idea, meaning sets can be combined as creativity grows.

More Than a Magnetic Construction Set

TRIDO Laguna shows that magnetic construction toys do not have to be about speed or destruction. By focusing on art, imagination and thoughtful design, it creates something that grows with the child and continues to feel relevant well beyond the early years.

Laguna Small, Medium and Large are available now from trido.uk. For families looking for a toy that encourages creativity without noise or screens, this minimalist magnetic set makes a very strong case for itself.

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!

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.

Audio, Music

We Are Rewind Curtis GB001: The Cassette Boombox Renaissance We’ve Been Waiting For

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The cassette tape’s resurgence has been one of the most joyful twists in personal audio. After years of streaming convenience running roughshod over the tactile pleasure of physical playback, along comes something that finally bridges the gap without losing the charm that made tapes brilliant in the first place.

The Curtis GB001 from We Are Rewind is a premium cassette boombox built for the modern era. Designed in France, it carries the unmistakable spirit of the classic ghetto blaster, but with a refined materials palette and contemporary engineering that make it feel purposeful, not kitsch.

We Are Rewind Curtis GB001: The Cassette Boombox Renaissance We’ve Been Waiting For
We Are Rewind Curtis GB001: The Cassette Boombox Renaissance We’ve Been Waiting For

It has presence in the way only proper hardware can. A hefty aluminium frame meets real walnut panelling. There’s a solidity to the unit that suggests it belongs on a shelf, in a studio, or under a Christmas tree without ever feeling incongruous or overdesigned. This is a product that’s been considered, prototyped and built with genuine affection for the medium.

Big, Bold Sound from a Single Cassette Deck

Curtis is built around one high quality cassette deck. No double deck accoutrements or tape dubbing circus here, just a single drive that plays tapes with real fidelity. That’s not a compromise, it’s a statement: great sound comes from focus.

We Are Rewind Curtis GB001: The Cassette Boombox Renaissance We’ve Been Waiting For

The playback is warm, dimensional and immersive, the sort of audio experience that makes you forget how sterile compressed streams can sound. Bluetooth 5.1 is onboard for those odd occasions you don’t have a tape handy, but the headline act is the tape mechanism itself, delivered through a stereo driver architecture that extracts every bit of depth your recordings have to give.

Controls are gloriously physical. Buttons push with reassuring resistance. Dials turn. The unit is rechargeable and portable, but it doesn’t lean on portability as its personality. The GB001 earns affection by being good at what it is.

In and Out Options for Every Listener

The input choices are refreshingly sensible and fully modern where they need to be: USB C for power delivery, RCA input for proper audio gear, and 3.5mm line in for plugging in almost anything with a headphone jack.

We Are Rewind Curtis GB001: The Cassette Boombox Renaissance We’ve Been Waiting For

It’s a ghetto blaster that doesn’t discriminate on age or audio source. If you grew up making mixtapes, you’ll love it. If you’re new to tapes but want a boombox that looks as good as it sounds, you’ll love it. And if you just want a premium Bluetooth speaker that happens to play cassettes, you’ll love it too.

A Christmas Gift with Longevity

There are only a handful of tech gifts that genuinely transcend trends. The Curtis GB001 belongs in that rare group. It doesn’t chase a fashion cycle. It nods to an era and elevates it.

If 2025 is truly the year of the cassette boombox revival, this is one of the few units that feels ready to lead the charge. It’s distinctive, memorable, supremely listenable and built with an exacting eye for design and sound quality.

Final Thoughts

The Curtis GB001 from We Are Rewind is an honest, confident cassette boombox debut for 2025. One deck. Big sound. Proper materials. Bluetooth onboard. Inputs present and correct. And most importantly, it rekindles a love for a format that never should have been sidelined in the first place.

Premium? Yes. Unnecessarily so? Not a chance. This one has earned its space.

3D Printing, additive manufacturing, Anycubic, formnext, Gadget Man, Matt Porter, The Gadget Man

Anycubic Teases the Kobra S1 Max Combo – A New Chapter for Multi-Colour Printing (and I’ll Be Seeing More at Formnext!)

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Well, this is exciting. The lovely folks at Anycubic have been in touch again, and this time they’ve got something rather special lined up for the 3D-printing world. If you’ve been following my recent adventures in the workshop — shelves of resin bottles, spools of filament, and printers humming away like a busy beehive — you’ll know I’ve been especially taken with Anycubic’s approach to innovation lately.

And now, they’ve gone and done it again.

Introducing the Kobra S1 Max Combo

A brand-new machine built to push desktop 3D-printing further — louder, brighter, more colourful, and more capable of serious engineering-grade work.

This is not just a quiet upgrade. This is one of those big leaps.

Kobra S1 Max Combo
Kobra S1 Max Combo
Kobra S1 Max
Kobra S1 Max

What Makes It Stand Out?

The expanded spec list from the official campaign page reveals some key details:

  • Up to 16-colour printing: Start with one ACE 2 Pro module for 4 colours; combine up to four for the full 16-colour capacity.

  • Huge build volume: 350 × 350 × 350 mm.

  • Enclosed, actively-heated chamber up to 65 °C. Hotbed up to 120 °C, hotend up to 350 °C.

  • Hardened-steel hotend (0.4 mm standard with extra 0.6 mm included), optional 0.25 mm brass / 0.8 mm hardened steel nozzles.

  • CoreXY motion system, active carbon-filter air purification, WiFi6/Ethernet support, 720p monitoring, spaghetti-recognition AI, U-disk/app control.

  • Materials covered: from PLA/PETG/TPU right up to engineering-grades like ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PA6-CF, PC-CF/GF, PET-CF.

  • Multi-language interface (English, Chinese, German, Russian, Spanish, French, Italian, Korean, Portuguese).

Put simply: whoever said “desktop printers are only for PLA” is going to have a rethink when this lands.

Early Bird Deal (This One’s Actually Worth It)

Anycubic are running a clever early-bird scheme:

  • Pay £50 now → receive £100 discount off the launch price (5th November to 24th November)

  • After that, the pricing rolls through phased levels — each with perks (as previously noted).

    • £749 (25 Nov-1 Dec) with £400 worth of perks

    • £799 (2 Dec-25 Dec) with £350 perks

    • £849 (26 Dec-31 Jan) with £300 perks

    • £949 (from 1 Feb) with £200 perks

So yes — if you’re thinking about it, the earlier the better.

And Here’s the Extra Bit I’m Excited About…

I’ll be in Frankfurt on the 18th November attending formnext — the global additive-manufacturing expo. It’s basically the Glastonbury of 3D printing: people everywhere talking filament, lasers, printheads, sintering furnaces — heavenly stuff.

I’m absolutely planning to track down Anycubic while I’m there and get a closer look at the Kobra S1 Max Combo in the flesh. Expect photos, impressions, maybe even first-hand print samples — all coming your way.

If you’ve got questions you’d like me to ask the Anycubic team directly, let me know in the comments.

Final Thoughts

This is shaping up to be a very compelling machine:

✔ Larger build volume
✔ Multi-colour support baked in
✔ Enclosed, CoreXY, heated chamber = better reliability
✔ Designed for real materials, not just for show

If it delivers what the specs promise, this could be one of the stand-out printers of 2025 — especially for makers and small business production.

I’ll bring back everything I learn at Formnext — stay tuned.

—

Matt Porter – The Gadget Man
Currently surrounded by printers. Not sorry.

2025, Food, Helpful Articles

Ditch the Drips and Dull Lunches – b.box is the Clever Aussie Brand Revolutionising School Gear

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If you’re a parent, you’ll know the daily struggle: soggy sandwiches, leaky bottles, and lunchboxes that barely survive a term. Enter b.box – a smart, kid-focused brand founded by two Australian mums with one mission in mind: to make parenting that little bit easier.

Now available in over 55 countries, b.box is winning over families with their practical, well-designed essentials that combine functionality, independence and fun. And if you’re looking for a better way to keep your child hydrated and well-fed throughout the school day, the b.box Tritan drink bottle and b.box lunchbox are absolute game changers.

The b.box Tritan Drink Bottle – Built for Busy Hands and Busy Days

The b.box Tritan Drink Bottle – Built for Busy Hands and Busy Days
The b.box Tritan Drink Bottle – Built for Busy Hands and Busy Days – Image courtesy of b.box. 

Let’s talk about the b.box Tritan drink bottle (£19.99 from Amazon). First up, it doesn’t just look cool with its triangular design – that shape actually makes it easier for little hands to grip. Whether it’s being hauled around the playground or slotted into a schoolbag, it’s lightweight, durable, and most importantly: leakproof when closed. That means no more puddles in the bottom of the bag!

Key features:

  • Easy push-button lid and carry handle

  • Soft silicone straw for easy sipping

  • Protective base bumper absorbs drops and knocks

  • Made from ultra-tough Tritan™

  • Top rack dishwasher safe

It’s the kind of bottle you’ll only need to buy once – unless of course, you want one in every colour!

The b.box Lunchbox – Fresh, Flexible and Fuss-Free

The b.box Lunchbox – Fresh, Flexible and Fuss-Free
The b.box Lunchbox – Fresh, Flexible and Fuss-Free


Image courtesy of b.box

Say goodbye to squashed sandwiches and hello to a fresh-packed lunch that actually survives the school day. The b.box lunchbox (£19.99 from Amazon) is an absolute revelation – designed with compartments that make sense for real food, not just dry crackers and grapes.

What sets it apart?

  • Customisable layout with sliding dividers

  • Room for a whole sandwich, bagel or wrap

  • Comes with a gel ice pack to keep food fresh

  • Whole fruit compartment with a flexible silicone lid

  • Leakproof design for yoghurts and even watermelon

  • Top rack dishwasher safe

It’s lunch prep made simple – and snack time made joyful.

Why b.box Deserves a Spot in Every Family's Routine

 

Both the bottle and the lunchbox are designed with one thing in mind: making life easier for parents and more independent for kids. They’re tough enough to handle a tumble, smart enough to keep food fresh, and stylish enough that your kids will actually want to use them.

At £19.99 each, they’re not the cheapest options on the shelf – but when you factor in the clever design, durability and no-spill peace of mind, b.box products are well worth the investment.

Final Thoughts from The Gadget Man

I love a product that quietly solves a problem without overcomplicating things. The b.box Tritan bottle and lunchbox don’t try to reinvent the wheel – they just make it roll a lot smoother. Whether you’re kitting out your child for school, day trips or picnics in the park, these are two items I can confidently recommend.

Clever design, thoughtful features, and no more soggy sandwiches. What’s not to love?

🔗 Find them on Amazon:

Got a gadget that makes parenting easier? Drop me a line – I’m always on the lookout for smart solutions for real life.

– Matt Porter, The Gadget Man

May the 4th

Top 10 Star Wars Gifts for May the 4th

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Celebrate Star Wars Day in galactic style with these top 10 must-have gifts for fans of the franchise. From the striking Original Stormtrooper 3D Helmet Decanter Set to the futuristic Bluetooth Sound Frame, and iconic character stands like Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and Grogu, these picks combine function, fandom, and design. Whether you’re updating your home bar, desk setup, or kitchen essentials, this curated selection is a stellar way to say “May the 4th be with you.”

Original Stormtrooper 3D Helmet Decanter Set £79.99 from ThumbsUp.com

Bring the Star Wars galaxy home with the Original Stormtrooper 3D Helmet Decanter Set. Officially licensed and crafted by Andrew Ainsworth, this collector’s set includes a 750ml helmet-shaped glass decanter, two coordinating glasses, and a cool black tray with soft grips. A eye-catching centrepiece for any home bar, it blends function and fandom, making it the ideal gift for collectors, film fans, or anyone looking to show-off their drinks cabinet with a touch of sci-fi style.

EXG Pro Star Wars: Boba Fett Cable Guys Controller Holder and Phone Stand £29.99 from ExgPro.com

Clad in signature Mandalorian armour and ready for his next mission, Boba Fett joins the Cable Guys range as a striking display and functional accessory. Standing 8.5″ tall, this legendary bounty hunter is equipped to hold your smartphone, gaming controller, or remote with ease. Whether on your desk or shelf, Boba brings attitude and practicality to your setup. Compatible with controllers and mobile phones, this is the ultimate accessory for any fan of the galaxy’s most feared mercenary.

Original Stormtrooper Sound Frame – Bluetooth Picture Frame Speaker £49.99 from ThumbsUp.com

Experience sound and style with the Original Stormtrooper Sound Frame, a Bluetooth speaker and wall-mounted artwork in one. Officially licensed and designed by Andrew Ainsworth, creator of the original 1976 helmet, it features a bold DJ-themed Stormtrooper design. With crisp audio from a 5W speaker, universal Bluetooth connectivity, and a clutter-free setup. Easy to install and ideal for any room, it’s the ultimate gift for Star Wars fans.

Original Stormtrooper 3D Beer Glass – 1 Pint £24.99 from ThumbsUp.com

Bring the galaxy to your bar collection with the Original Stormtrooper Beer Glass., this pint glass blends authentic design with sci-fi heritage. A standout piece for any home bar, it celebrates the iconic style of the Galactic Empire while offering practical use. Ideal for collectors and Star Wars fans. it’s a unique tribute to cinematic history and classic beer enjoyment.

EXG Pro Star Wars: Ahsoka Cable Guys R.E.S.T Collectible Figure Device Holder £29.99 from ExgPro.com

Ahsoka Tano, warrior, survivor, and symbol of resistance, joins the Cable Guys range in striking form. Known as Fulcrum and featured in The Mandalorian, she stands ready to support your tech essentials, whether it’s a gaming controller, smartphone, or remote. With her dual lightsabers and calm determination, Ahsoka brings balance to any setup. Compatible with most devices, she’s a powerful addition to any fan’s collection, blending functionality with the spirit of a true galactic hero.

Original Stormtrooper Terrarium £39.99 from ThumbsUp.com

Add a touch of galactic greenery to your home with the Original Stormtrooper Terrarium. Created by the man who made the Original Stormtrooper Helmet. This stylish planter merges sci-fi design with natural charm. Durable, green and a mini planet all on it’s own, it’s perfect for creating your own little world. Ideal for fans and collectors, it brings the power of the Empire and a hint of nature into any home.

EXG Pro Star Wars: Darth Vader Cable Guys Controller Holder and Phone Stand £29.99 from ExgPro.com

Serve the Dark Side in style with the Darth Vader Cable Guy. Officially licensed by Lucasfilm, this striking 8.5″ figure captures the iconic villain in full black armour, ready to hold your smartphone, gaming controller, or remote. Compatible with most devices, including PS5 DualSense, Xbox Series S/X, and all iPhones, it’s both functional and collectible. A must-have for Star Wars fans, this powerful display piece brings order, and convenience, to any gaming setup or desk.

Original Stormtrooper Pizza Cutting Board £11.99 from ThumbsUp.com

Add a real topping and galactic twist to your kitchen with the Original Stormtrooper Pizza Cutting Board. Featuring an engraved Stormtrooper helmet design, this wooden board is as practical as it is iconic. Grooved for precision slicing, it ensures perfectly cut pizza slices every time. Durable, easy to clean, and versatile enough for all kinds of food prep, it’s a standout piece for any home. A fun and functional gift for fans and foodies alike.

EXG Pro Star Wars: Grogu ‘Seeing Stone Pose’ Cable Guys R.E.S.T Collectable Figure Device Holder £29.99 from ExgPro.com

Everyone loves Grogu, now you can add him to your setup with this officially licensed Cable Guy stand. Styled from The Mandalorian series, Grogu stands 8.5″ tall atop a Jedi-script plinth in a peaceful seeing-stone pose. Compatible with most smartphones and gaming controllers. including PS5 DualSense, Xbox Series S/X, and all iPhones. It features the patented rotating R.E.S.T. shelf system for versatile use.

EXG Pro Star Wars: Imperial Stormtrooper Cable Guys R.E.S.T Collectable Figure Device Holder £29.99 from ExgPro.com

This loyal soldier of the Empire is ready to secure your smartphone, gaming controller, or remote with unwavering precision. Compatible with a wide range of devices, including PS5 DualSense, Xbox Series S/X, and all iPhones, it’s both a display-worthy collectible and a practical desktop companion for any Star Wars fan.

 

2025, Apple, Artificial Intelligence, Gadget Man, iPhone, Matt Porter, Phones, Smart Devices, Smart Phone, Technology, Telephones

Apple Unveils the iPhone 16e – The Affordable Powerhouse

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Apple has just dropped a brand-new addition to the iPhone 16 lineup—the iPhone 16e. This model is designed to deliver cutting-edge performance and Apple Intelligence at a more affordable price, making it a compelling choice for users looking for premium features without the premium price tag.

Apple Unveils the iPhone 16e – The Affordable Powerhouse
Apple Unveils the iPhone 16e – The Affordable Powerhouse

Design and Display

The iPhone 16e follows Apple’s signature sleek design ethos with a durable build, available in elegant matte black and white finishes. The device features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing vibrant colours and crisp text, perfect for streaming HDR content, gaming, and everyday tasks. It also boasts IP68-rated water and dust resistance, ensuring it can handle the rigours of daily life.

Performance Boost with A18 Chip and Apple C1 Modem

Under the hood, the iPhone 16e is powered by Apple’s latest A18 chip, delivering exceptional speed, efficiency, and AI-powered enhancements. The C1 modem, Apple’s first in-house cellular modem, ensures fast and reliable 5G connectivity while also improving power efficiency, further enhancing battery life.

Speaking of battery life, Apple claims that the iPhone 16e lasts up to six hours longer than the iPhone 11 and up to twelve hours more than previous iPhone SE models, making it the best 6.1-inch iPhone in terms of battery longevity.

Camera System: A 48MP Fusion Camera with 2x Telephoto

Photography enthusiasts will love the 48MP Fusion camera system, which allows for high-resolution shots with enhanced computational photography. The integrated 2x telephoto lens provides optical-quality zoom, making it feel like having two cameras in one. Features such as Night Mode, Portrait Mode, and Smart HDR ensure stunning photos in all lighting conditions. The front-facing TrueDepth camera offers autofocus for sharper selfies and enhanced Face ID functionality.

Apple Intelligence and AI Integration

A significant highlight of the iPhone 16e is its support for Apple Intelligence. This AI-powered system introduces advanced features such as:

  • Image Cleanup Tool – Easily remove distractions from photos.
  • Genmoji – Custom emoji creation.
  • Improved Siri – More conversational and able to maintain context across multiple interactions.
  • ChatGPT Integration – Built directly into Siri and Writing Tools, allowing users to access AI-generated assistance seamlessly.

Action Button for Quick Access

The iPhone 16e features the Action Button, first introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro series. Users can customise it to launch the camera, activate Shazam, switch focus modes, or even trigger in-app functions.

Satellite Connectivity and Safety Features

Apple continues to lead in emergency communication with the inclusion of satellite-based features such as:

  • Emergency SOS – Contact emergency services when out of cellular range.
  • Roadside Assistance – Access help via satellite in case of car trouble.
  • Find My via Satellite – Share location with loved ones, even in remote areas.
  • Crash Detection – Automatically dials emergency services in the event of a severe accident.

iOS 18 and Customisation Options

The iPhone 16e runs iOS 18, introducing new personalisation options, enhanced privacy settings, and redesigned Control Centre for improved accessibility. Users can now customise their Home Screen with dark or tinted app icons and arrange widgets more freely.

Pricing and Availability

Apple has positioned the iPhone 16e as a budget-friendly yet powerful device, starting at £599 in the UK. Pre-orders begin on February 21, with availability set for February 28. The device will be available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options.

Final Thoughts

The iPhone 16e delivers an impressive mix of premium features and affordability, making it a strong contender for those looking for top-tier Apple performance without breaking the bank. With the A18 chip, improved battery life, AI-driven features, and a robust camera system, the iPhone 16e is set to be a popular choice in 2025. Stay tuned for a hands-on review soon!

Chargers, Electric Car, Electric Cars, Electric Vehicles, EV, EV Chargers, Matt Porter

Skoda Announces UK Prices and Specs for the Updated Enyaq Range

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Škoda is raising the bar with its refreshed Enyaq range, bringing new designs, enhanced features, and improved performance to the award-winning all-electric lineup. Available in both SUV and Coupé forms, the updated Enyaq is set to hit UK roads in Q2 2025, with prices starting at £39,000.

Here’s what you need to know about Škoda’s latest EV innovation.

Škoda Announces UK Prices and Specs for the Updated Enyaq Range
Škoda Announces UK Prices and Specs for the Updated Enyaq Range

A Striking New Design

The updated Enyaq adopts Škoda’s Modern Solid design language, blending ruggedness with elegance. Key exterior changes include:

  • Tech-Deck Face: A glossy black panel housing advanced sensors for features like adaptive cruise control and front cameras.
  • LED Matrix Headlights: Animated indicators and signature four-eyed lighting add a high-tech feel (standard from the Edition trim).
  • C-shaped LED Tail Lights: Updated with dynamic animations and Coming Home/Leaving Home sequences.
  • New Colours: The addition of Olive Green metallic expands the palette, joining two solid and seven metallic options.
  • Aerodynamic Enhancements: Revised air curtains and slimmer front designs improve drag coefficient to 0.245 for the SUV and a remarkable 0.229 for the Coupé.

The refreshed design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s functional too, boosting aerodynamic efficiency and extending range.

Škoda Announces UK Prices and Specs for the Updated Enyaq Range
Škoda Announces UK Prices and Specs for the Updated Enyaq Range

New Trims and Features

Škoda has restructured the Enyaq lineup into three trims, all offering more standard features than their predecessors:

  1. SE L 60 (from £39,000):
    • Keyless entry
    • Heated front seats and steering wheel
    • Tri-zone climate control
    • Rear-view camera with sensors
    • Predictive adaptive cruise control
    • Virtual pedal for the electric boot
  2. Edition 60 and 85 (from £40,100):
    • Matrix LED headlights
    • Electric driver’s seat with massage function
    • Dark Chrome roof rails and window surrounds
    • Rear side airbags and manual window blinds
  3. SportLine 85x (from £48,750):
    • 20-inch Vega black alloy wheels
    • Sports seats, steering wheel, and bumpers
    • All-wheel drive and sports suspension
    • Canton sound system and head-up display
Škoda Announces UK Prices and Specs for the Updated Enyaq Range
Škoda Announces UK Prices and Specs for the Updated Enyaq Range

Improved Range and Charging

With two battery sizes and three powertrains, the new Enyaq caters to a variety of driving needs:

  • Enyaq 60: 63kWh battery, up to 268 miles WLTP range
  • Enyaq 85: 82kWh battery, up to 365 miles WLTP range (Coupé)
  • Enyaq 85x: 82kWh battery, all-wheel drive, up to 334 miles WLTP range

Charging is faster than ever, with the Enyaq 60 supporting 165kW DC fast charging, achieving a 10-80% charge in just 24 minutes. The Enyaq 85x supports 175kW DC charging, taking only 28 minutes for the same boost.

Tech Upgrades Inside

The interior of the new Enyaq has been refined for comfort and usability:

  • 5-inch Digital Cockpit and 13-inch Infotainment Screen as standard.
  • Head-Up Display with Augmented Reality (standard on SportLine).
  • Redesigned steering wheel with Škoda lettering.
  • Enhanced MyŠkoda app, integrating Powerpass for access to over 800,000 charging points across Europe.

With a large boot and thoughtful design, the Enyaq remains as practical as ever for families and adventurers alike.

Škoda Announces UK Prices and Specs for the Updated Enyaq Range
Škoda Announces UK Prices and Specs for the Updated Enyaq Range

Pricing

Here’s the breakdown of the new Enyaq pricing (Manufacturer Direct Price):

Model Price
Enyaq SE L 60 SUV £39,000
Enyaq Edition 60 SUV £40,100
Enyaq Edition 85 SUV £44,300
Enyaq SportLine 85x SUV £48,750
Enyaq Edition 85 Coupé £46,200
Enyaq SportLine 85x Coupé £50,650

Why the New Enyaq is a Game-Changer

Škoda’s refreshed Enyaq range is a testament to the brand’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and design. With longer ranges, faster charging, and an enhanced driving experience, the new Enyaq is set to lead the charge in the all-electric SUV market.

Available to order from 6th March 2025, the Enyaq offers an exciting glimpse into the future of sustainable driving.

What are your thoughts on the new Škoda Enyaq? Let us know in the comments!