Tag Archives: innovation

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, Bambulab, formnext

Bambu Lab to Reveal the H2C at Formnext – and I’ll Be There to See It First-Hand

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Bambu Lab have officially announced the launch of their new multi-material 3D printer, the Bambu Lab H2C, taking place on 18 November 2025 at 3:00 PM CET—and I’ll be there at Formnext in Frankfurt to witness the reveal in person.

This is shaping up to be one of the most significant announcements in desktop 3D printing for years.

For the past three years, Bambu Lab have been working on a cleaner, more efficient approach to multi-colour and multi-material printing. Their teaser hints at something genuinely ground-breaking: the end of purge waste.

Back in 2022, the X1 series opened the door to accessible multi-colour printing, but the trade-off was always the same—purging. Endless little strings of wasted filament, time lost, and the compromises that every multi-colour printer still struggles with today.

Bambu’s engineers zeroed in on the real culprit: contamination within the hotend. Their solution? Don’t purge—swap the hotend.

Image and Video Credit: Bambulab

Introducing the Vortec Hotend Change System

The H2C is expected to showcase a brand-new technology called Vortec, described as one of the first induction-heated, fully automated hotend-swap systems.

The innovations highlighted in the teaser include:

• Dedicated hotends instead of purging

Like using a fresh paintbrush for each colour. No cleaning required, no cross-contamination, and no filament waste.

• Induction heating in just 8 seconds

Rapid heating without the slowdown of bulky toolheads or complex gantries.

• Wireless data and power sync

Each hotend contains its own chip that communicates temperature, filament data and status to the printer—without cables or pogo pins to wear out.

• No sacrifice in speed, volume or reliability

Rather than adding multiple nozzles or loading a heavy toolhead, Bambu Lab have focused on keeping things fast, compact and robust.

According to Bambu Lab, Vortec represents “the epilogue to the imperfections of X1” and marks their first major step toward eliminating purge altogether.

I’ll Be Reporting Live from Formnext

As The Gadget Man, I’ll be on the ground at Formnext in Frankfurt when the H2C is unveiled. Expect hands-on impressions, photos, early thoughts and—as always—my honest take on whether this could be the next revolution in multi-material 3D printing.

Stay tuned. This could be the moment multi-colour printing finally becomes clean, fast and… uncompromising.

formnext, Press Release

Formnext Turns 10! And It’s Bigger, Bolder, and Brilliantly Additive Than Ever

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Frankfurt’s iconic tech mecca is lighting up the entire AM world with an expanded programme, more gadgets and gear than ever, and enough buzz to make even the most jaded engineer’s pulse quicken. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re heading to Formnext 2025 — or watching from afar.

Three Stages, One Purpose: Exploring AM’s Bright Future

Formnext 2025 isn’t just about rows of 3D printers humming away like digital sewing machines — though, let’s be honest, we do love that too. It’s about conversations that shape the future.

  • Application Stage (Hall 11.1): From rocket engines to robot arms and even orthopaedic orthoses (try saying that after a few Glühweins), this is where AM meets real-world problems. Focused firmly on cost-effective innovation, this stage is a must for SMEs looking to dip their toes into the world of 3D production.

  • Industry Stage (Hall 11.0): Topics like sustainability, Design for AM, and even AI-designed consumer goods take centre stage here. Highlights include a keynote retrospective on the last decade of AM and forward-looking discussions on decentralised production – a very big deal as global supply chains continue to shift.

  • Technology Stage (Hall 12.1): This is where the nerds (my people!) gather to go deep. Think DED tech, large-format plastic printing, and data-driven design. Pack a notebook.

New This Year: Tours, Livestreams &… a Quiz Show?

Formnext 2025 is not content with “business as usual”. The organisers have added a host of interactive new formats that are both educational and entertaining.

  • Guided AM Tours: Focusing on post-processing (a criminally underappreciated stage in AM), these 90-minute guided walks will be led by experts. Wednesday tours are in German, Thursday in English. No sign-ups, just first-come, first-served — so set an alarm.

  • Show and Telling LIVE: YouTube’s own 3D Printing Nerd will be broadcasting live on Tuesday. If you’ve ever wanted to geek out in real time with a global AM celeb, now’s your chance.

  • Ultimate Additive Quiz Show: Because why not have a game show for engineers? Expect equal parts trivia, tension, and titanium.

From Mechanical Marvels to Mushroom Mycelium: The Special Showcases

Here’s where Formnext really flexes its muscles. The 2025 edition will showcase AM in every industry you can imagine:

  • Additive4Industry (Hall 12.0): Mechanical engineering applications, brought to you by the VDMA.

  • BE-AM Symposium: Construction gets the AM treatment — and yes, that means 3D printed buildings.

  • AM Art Space: SUTOSUTO are back to blur the line between technology and art.

  • AM Innovation & Standards Summit (17 Nov): Standards, compliance, and certification may not be sexy — but they’re essential.

And let’s not forget the Start-up Area and Young Innovators Booth, where tomorrow’s biggest ideas take their first steps. If you’re an investor or just love spotting the next big thing, bring business cards.

Democratising 3D Printing

A real theme running through this year’s show is accessibility. Whether it’s via desktop 3D printers popping up in more industrial contexts or the Discover3DPrinting seminars for curious newcomers, Formnext is making AM approachable for businesses of all sizes.

There’s even a Career Area with job walls, professional headshots, and career advice — because nothing says “ready for your next move” like a headshot next to a 3D printed turbine blade.

The Formnext Awards – AM’s Red Carpet Moment

Awards aren’t just for Hollywood. The Formnext Awards shine a spotlight on groundbreaking technologies, bold young companies, and sustainable solutions — across six hotly contested categories. The twist? You get to help choose the winners via online voting. Cue the drama.

Partner Country 2025: Spain Steps Into the Spotlight

This year’s partner country is Spain, and it’s not just bringing paella and passion. With around 30 companies showcasing breakthroughs in AM systems, materials, and R&D, Spain is strutting its stuff on the global AM stage — and rightly so.

When, Where, and Why You Should Be There

Frankfurt am Main
18–21 November 2025
www.formnext.com/visitors

Whether you’re a long-time Formnext fanatic or a first-time visitor still figuring out what “DED” stands for, this year promises to be unforgettable. Ten years in, and Formnext shows no sign of slowing down — in fact, it’s evolving just as quickly as the technology it celebrates.

So dust off your best trade fair shoes, charge your phone (you’ll need it), and get ready to celebrate a decade of additive excellence.

Have you been to Formnext before? What are you most looking forward to this year? Drop your thoughts

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, AI, AI & Machine Learning, Ai Art, Gadget Man, Gadget Man Projects, Matt Porter

From Pixels to Platinum: When AI Designed My New Hairstyle

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From Pixels to Platinum: When AI Designed My New Hairstyle

There’s something oddly thrilling about letting technology take creative control. I’ve spent years testing gadgets, reviewing innovations, and exploring the limits of artificial intelligence — but this time, I let the tech get a little more personal.

A few weeks ago, I asked Midjourney — my go-to AI image generator — a simple question:
“What would The Gadget Man look like with a fresh new hairstyle?”

The result was, quite frankly, impressive. The AI produced a series of strikingly realistic portraits featuring a textured, platinum-blonde cut that looked part cyberpunk, part 21st-century rockstar. I loved it. The catch? It wasn’t real… yet.

The AI Concept

Armed with a few reference prompts and an experimental mindset, I spent an evening fine-tuning the digital version of myself. Midjourney, in its infinite wisdom, decided that bleached hair and choppy texture were the future of The Gadget Man brand.

At first, it was just a bit of fun. But the more I looked at the AI render, the more I realised — this was something I could actually pull off. So, I decided to make it happen.

Turning AI Into Reality

I booked an appointment with my stylist and brought along the AI images on my phone — full 360-degree green-screen shots of the “digital me.” It’s not every day you walk into a salon and say, “I’d like this look, please — it was designed by artificial intelligence.”

To their credit, they didn’t flinch. Instead, we broke it down into human-achievable steps:

  • The Cut: Short, faded sides with plenty of texture on top.
  • The Style: Tousled and natural, with enough lift to keep things casual.
  • The Colour: A cool, silver-white platinum tone — bold but clean.

The Result

Wait and see!!!

AI as a Creative Partner

This little experiment isn’t just about hair — it’s about what happens when AI moves from the screen into the real world. Whether it’s designing products, testing ideas, or in this case, reinventing a hairstyle, AI has become a kind of creative partner.

From Pixels to Platinum: When AI Designed My New Hairstyle
From Pixels to Platinum: When AI Designed My New Hairstyle

 

From Pixels to Platinum: When AI Designed My New Hairstyle
From Pixels to Platinum: When AI Designed My New Hairstyle

Coming soon: a behind-the-scenes video of the full transformation — from my original hairstyle to the final platinum reveal. Keep an eye on The Gadget Man socials for the big unveil.

#TheGadgetMan #AIstyle #MidjourneyToReality #TechMeetsHuman #FromPixelsToPlatinum

2025, additive manufacturing, formnext, Gadget Man

Formnext 2025: Tickets Now Open for the World’s Leading 3D Printing Expo

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Frankfurt is getting ready to host the world’s largest 3D printing and Additive Manufacturing (AM) event once again. From 18–21 November 2025, Formnext will transform the Messe Frankfurt exhibition halls into a showcase of innovation, collaboration, and real-world applications across industries.

This year promises over 800 exhibitors, including some of the biggest names in the AM world alongside a healthy mix of start-ups and research groups. Expect plenty of world premieres, live demonstrations, and a packed programme across aviation, aerospace, engineering, jewellery, watches, and more.

Spain takes centre stage as the partner country for 2025, bringing around 30 companies to Frankfurt. The Spanish AM sector has been growing rapidly and plays an interesting role as a link between Europe and Latin America, particularly strong in systems, materials, and research.

The Gadget Man will be attending formnext
The Gadget Man will be attending formnext

The supporting programme looks just as impressive as the show floor itself. Three stages will run throughout the event, each with a different focus: industry trends, real-world applications, and the latest technologies. Seminars, talks, and showcases will cover everything from large-format 3D printing to data-driven design and construction AM. Add to that the Formnext Awards, start-up pitches, career opportunities, and networking events, and it’s clear this isn’t just an exhibition – it’s the meeting point for the global AM community.

I’ll be there on Tuesday 18 November for the Press Breakfast and then I’m looking forward to catching up with many of the 800 companies, checking out the latest announcements and exploring the halls. It’s always fascinating to see how far the technology has come, and this year looks set to offer plenty of inspiration.

Tickets are available now from formnext.com/visitors, with an early-bird discount running until 21 October.

2025, 5G, Space Exploration

European Space-Based 5G Takes Flight: CTO and ESA Team Up for Low Earth Orbit Connectivity Revolution

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Imagine a world where high-speed 5G doesn’t stop at the end of a fibre line, but continues seamlessly across mountains, oceans, and rural blackspots—delivered straight from space. That’s the vision behind a new partnership between Constellation Technologies & Operations (CTO) and the European Space Agency (ESA), who are set to trial Europe’s first 5G mmWave payload in low Earth orbit.

The Mission: Making 5G Truly Universal

In an agreement signed this May at ESA HQ in Paris, CTO and ESA have announced a joint effort to launch a “regenerative” 5G payload aboard a satellite scheduled for June 2025. This Early Test represents Europe’s first real-world demonstration of a 5G infrastructure designed and built on the continent.

Unlike conventional satellite relays, this payload will process signals directly in orbit. The result? Reduced latency, increased efficiency, and seamless interoperability with ground-based 5G networks. Think of it as a space-based extension of mobile infrastructure.

Why This Matters

Space-based connectivity is currently dominated by American and Chinese ventures. CTO offers a credible European alternative: a neutral, shared, and independently operated satellite network that empowers telecom operators to extend their services without surrendering control or investing in expensive infrastructure.

The potential impact is enormous. This technology could bring fast, reliable internet to remote communities, disaster zones, and other underserved areas—complementing terrestrial networks and filling in the gaps where traditional infrastructure falls short.

How It Works

The test payload will operate using telecom operators’ 5G FR2 mmWave spectrum. CTO’s future constellation, planned for Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), is designed for high-speed, low-latency communication. Working with ESA’s ECSAT facility in Oxfordshire, this trial is a crucial step in proving Europe’s capability to lead in next-generation satellite communications.

CTO’s model allows telecom operators to leverage their existing 5G spectrum in space, offering a scalable solution that complements fibre and mobile networks without the need for ground-based towers in hard-to-reach areas.

What They Said

Charles Delfieux, CEO of CTO, commented: “This alliance with ESA reflects a shared ambition: to build a competitive European sovereignty in space connectivity, powered by bold technology designed and developed in Europe. We’re proving that it’s possible to compete on a global scale without compromise—giving telecom operators back control over their future in space.”

Laurent Jaffart, Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications at ESA, added: “This agreement aligns with ESA’s strategy to support the rise of innovative European players and jointly build resilient connectivity. The upcoming tests with CTO will pave the way for new hybrid use cases at the intersection of terrestrial and space networks.”

Images courtesy of ESA / CTO
Images courtesy of ESA / CTO

What’s Next

The satellite launch planned for June 2025 marks just the beginning. CTO and ESA are already collaborating on future in-orbit testing campaigns and knowledge sharing to maximise the impact of this project.

A European Vision, Global Potential

With its bold approach to hybrid connectivity, CTO aims to reshape the telecommunications landscape. This is more than just a technical trial—it’s a strategic move to establish European leadership in space-based internet services and offer a compelling global alternative to today’s dominant players.

Stay tuned to The Gadget Man as we follow this pioneering initiative. With space now firmly on the telecom agenda, the future of connectivity is looking skyward.

More Information:
www.constellation.global
www.esa.int

Images courtesy of ESA / CTO

Backpack, STM

STM Goods BagPack – Big Innovation in a Compact Package

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As someone who’s perpetually on the move—juggling gadgets, reviewing tech, and travelling from event to event—I’m always on the lookout for gear that can keep up with my lifestyle. So when STM Goods announced their BagPack, I was intrigued. A backpack with an inflatable air cushion for your laptop? That’s the kind of clever thinking I love. And after a few weeks of using it, I can confidently say this is no gimmick—it’s a genuinely smart piece of kit.

STM Goods BagPack – Big Innovation in a Compact Package
STM Goods BagPack – Big Innovation in a Compact Package

Let’s start with the headline feature: the inflatable airbag. With a single breath, it turns a featherweight backpack into a structured, laptop-protecting companion. It’s a novel yet highly practical concept—offering cushioning for your tech and support for your back. I tested it with my 16-inch MacBook Pro, and it cradled the laptop with impressive stability, absorbing bumps during travel far better than most padded compartments I’ve seen.

STM Goods BagPack – Big Innovation in a Compact Package
STM Goods BagPack – Big Innovation in a Compact Package

The ultra-lightweight build (just over half a kilo) and 210D nylon fabric mean the BagPack is tough but doesn’t weigh you down. Perfect for commuters, festival-goers, and anyone who travels light but still needs dependable gear. One of the standout features is how it folds into itself, collapsing into a self-contained pouch small enough to stash in your suitcase or glovebox.

STM Goods BagPack – Big Innovation in a Compact Package
STM Goods BagPack – Big Innovation in a Compact Package

Despite the compact form factor, the BagPack still manages to offer 15 litres of space—enough for your daily essentials: tablet, charger, water bottle, headphones, and even a jacket. The contoured straps are comfortable, and the minimalist design keeps things stylish without screaming “tech nerd” (even if, like me, you secretly are one).

While it’s not fully waterproof, it shrugged off light drizzle during a walk through Stotfold with no issues. You’ll want a rain cover for a proper storm, but for everyday use, it holds up beautifully.

Final Thoughts

The STM BagPack 2023 is a triumph of practical innovation. Lightweight, protective, compact, and stylish—it’s the sort of bag that makes you wonder why nobody thought of this before.

Check it out on the official STM Goods site

Anycubic, Kobra 3 V2

Introducing the Kobra 3 V2 Combo – A Vibrant New Chapter in 3D Printing! Super Early Bird Pricing Announced

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I’m always excited to bring you news of cutting-edge tech that blends innovation with affordability – and today is no exception. If you’re into 3D printing or thinking about diving into the world of filament fabrication, this announcement is for you!

Say hello to the Anycubic Kobra 3 V2 Combo – a machine that promises to be Vibrant, Versatile, and Visionary. Developed with creators in mind, this latest printer from Anycubic is loaded with features that make it perfect for hobbyists and professionals alike.

Introducing the Kobra 3 V2 Combo – A Vibrant New Chapter in 3D Printing! Super Early Bird Pricing Announced
Introducing the Kobra 3 V2 Combo – A Vibrant New Chapter in 3D Printing! Super Early Bird Pricing Announced

Super Early Bird Price – Just £359!

From 15th to 18th May, you can grab the Kobra 3 V2 Combo at a stunning £110 off the retail price – just £359 instead of £469! But you’ll have to be quick: this Super Early Bird offer is available for a limited time only.

Here’s the full pricing rollout:

  • £359 – Super Early Bird (15–18 May)

  • £379 – Early Bird (19–29 May)

  • £399 – Pre-sale (30 May–15 June)

  • £419 – Regular Price (from 16 July)

Click here to secure yours now!

Unlock £100+ Worth of Perks!

Early adopters aren’t just saving money – they’re unlocking exclusive perks worth over £100, including:

  • 50% OFF all filament packs (PLA Special, PLA Metal, High Speed, and even random bundles)

  • £10–£30 Gift Cards (500 winners up for grabs!)

  • FREE 8-Colour Hub – When purchasing the 8-colour kit version (exclusive to the Kobra 3 V2 Combo)

  • Mystery Box – Who doesn’t love a surprise?

  • Free Access to Premium Quality Models to kickstart your print library

This makes it one of the best value 3D printer launches we’ve seen all year.

Colourful, Creative and Capable

The Kobra 3 V2 Combo is designed for multicolour printing straight out of the box. With its smart automatic material station and easy-to-use touchscreen interface, it’s a dream machine whether you’re printing functional parts or jaw-dropping figurines.

Combine that with high-speed capabilities and robust build quality, and you’ve got a machine that’s ready to keep up with your creative demands.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re upgrading your current printer or taking your first step into the world of multicolour 3D printing, the Kobra 3 V2 Combo is a no-brainer – especially at the early bird price.

Click here to order yours through my affiliate link and help support The Gadget Man while snagging one of the hottest 3D printers of the year.

Stay creative, stay curious – and I’ll see you in the next print run!

2025, Drones, Electric Vehicles, EV, Flying Vehicles, Gadget Man, Star Wars Day, Technology, The Gadget Man

UPDATED – Volonaut’s Real-Life Speeder Bike Set To Take Flight on Star Wars Day! Video attached!!!

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If you ever dreamed of flying through the trees of Endor like an Imperial Scout Trooper, that dream just took a huge leap toward reality.

On May 1st, 2025, Volonaut officially unveiled their jaw-dropping personal flight machine: the Airbike. Described as a cross between a superbike and a starfighter, the Airbike is a jet-propelled, single-seat hoverbike that looks like it’s been ripped straight out of a sci-fi film—specifically, Star Wars.

Here’s the video below!!

This groundbreaking vehicle is the brainchild of Tomasz Patan, the visionary engineer behind the Jetson ONE. The Airbike, however, ditches propellers in favour of compact jet engines, creating a safer, sleeker, and incredibly futuristic flying experience. It’s built using carbon fibre and 3D-printed parts, making it exceptionally light—seven times lighter than a conventional motorcycle. With speeds topping 200 km/h, it’s no surprise the internet has lit up with excitement.

But Volonaut didn’t stop at just launching a revolutionary vehicle. They’ve timed their big reveal to coincide with the biggest unofficial sci-fi holiday of them all: Star Wars Day.

Over the past few days, Volonaut has been teasing a special video drop scheduled for Sunday, May 4th—Star Wars Day—with a tantalising image of a rider dressed in full Imperial Scout Trooper gear standing next to the Airbike. The promise? A recreation of the unforgettable speeder bike chase from Return of the Jedi, shot through dense woodland, but this time with a real flying machine.

It’s not every day that technology catches up with our childhood imagination, but this might just be one of those times. As a long-time lover of gadgets, sci-fi, and anything that pushes boundaries, I’ll be watching this premiere with popcorn in hand and a big grin on my face.

Video Credit: YouTube / Volonaut

Star Wars Scout Trooper crounching next to the Volonaut Airbike ready for Star Wars Day on May the Forth
Star Wars Scout Trooper crounching next to the Volonaut Airbike ready for Star Wars Day on May the Forth – Image Credit: LinkedIn / Volonaut

May the 4th be with us!

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