Tag Archives: design

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

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

Top 10 Star Wars Gifts for May the 4th

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.

 

Apple Unveils the iPhone 16e – The Affordable Powerhouse

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!

Skoda Announces UK Prices and Specs for the Updated Enyaq Range

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!

The Smart Ebike from Mercedes Benz – Update July 2020

Thanks for visiting this page, which is one of the most popular on my blog. If you would like to help support the us, please consider visiting my Amazon Store. Thanks again for visiting, Matt

 

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Smart eBike Support in the UK – 1 July 2020

I get quite a large number of messages in the UK requesting assistance with the Smart eBike. Whilst I am also an eBike owner, I also fall into the category of everyone else with regard to problem-solving and troubleshooting issues with our bikes. I have actually reached out to Mercedes Benz and highlighted the issue of ongoing support from them on these bikes, which of course cost all of us a fairly hefty sum of money at the time of purchase. 

Personally, I have struggled to get support with my bike and had to bend several peoples eardrums to get a result after feeling left high-and-dry in the event of needing assistance. I personally was successful getting the repair work done on my Smart eBike whilst also having a Firmware update to boot. The technician at Smart was very helpful and in fact, was excited to be involved in the maintenance of a vehicle that was no longer manufactured. This involved the installation of software on his PC and connection directly to the bike. It might well be a good time for Smart to release this software into the public domain to allow for their customers to continue to maintain their bikes for years to come.

This does continue to feel unfair as I have (like many others) approached bike repair shops for assistance and have got absolutely nowhere! So indeed the only port of call continues to be Mercedes Benz themselves.

So, the official line is that in event of any issues with your Smart eBike, you should contact Mercedes-Benz Customer Care on the following email address [email protected].  I am reliably informed that you will be assisted with your query.

You can also view the Smart eBike Owners manual online using this link. Now read on!!

Matt Porter – 1 July 2020


Last Saturday I visited Lancaster Mercedes in Ipswich, an hour later I left with a beautifully designed and engineered German machine. But this wasn’t an AMG SLK, this was the ‘smart e-bike’.
Continue reading The Smart Ebike from Mercedes Benz – Update July 2020