Month: February 2026

steelseries Arctis Gamebuds Review

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are their latest in-ear earbuds on offers targetted at gamers however these can be used as standalone earbuds and overall the results are quite impressive, having tested over 250 pairs of earbuds these sound better than expected as a whole and is a must for gamers

The design is a typical standard earbud and sit well in the ears feeling secure and will not fall out even if excercising, the case is your average size and will fit in any pocket there is a button on each side and is tactile which I prefer over touch based earbuds and these worked well with no false results there is a nice clicky sound to them and are accuate each time.

In the case you also get a dongle like most of their headsets giving you Low Latency Using 2.4GHz wireless instead of Bluetooth eliminates the “audio lag” that usually makes earbuds impossible for competitive shooters. Quick Switch: You can triple-tap the bud to instantly swap between your gaming console (2.4GHz) and your phone (Bluetooth 5.3).

There is a specific Xbox version (white/black) that includes a security chip for Microsoft consoles, but still works with everything else. The PlayStation version will not work on Xbox. I tested mine on the Nintendo Switch Xbox phone and PC

The sound profile is punchy and detailed and most importanly immersive but the Arctis Companion App offers more and gives you control over the earbuds while the sound is excellent the app turns things up a notch and I have notice things wehen gaming I would not hear on regular earbuds and it is joy to hear

You can load specific EQ profiles for games like Apex Legends, Call of Duty, or Elden Ring directly from your phone. These presets actually change the sound signature on the buds themselves, so the settings stay active even when you plug the dongle into a Switch or PS5. ANC is decent enough and overall you will be please also the mic quality is quite good given there is no boom arm like their headsets offer.

The controls also work well and they can be customised too you can see this in the video review down below and we go through the app

The GameBuds have a great battery life up to 10 Hours on a single session on a 2.4GHz connection (with ANC off).

A 15 minutes fast charge in the case gives you 3 hours of playtime and the case supports wireless charging, a premium touch often skipped by competitors and a preferrence of mine.

Overall if you want to hear more than regular earbuds when gaming these are what you need and they are also excellent at general use for music and movies and worth the punt.

Arctis App 

 

 

Features

  • QUICK-SWITCH WIRELESS – High-speed 2.4GHz wireless for Xbox, PC, PS5, and more, or switch to Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile –
  • ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — 4-mic hybrid ANC provides true gaming immersion; ability to switch transparency mode for awareness
  • 100+ XBOX AUDIO PRESETS – Easy-to-use SteelSeries Arctis Companion App contains 100+ presets to boost critical sounds in game on your Xbox, PC, and more
  • 360° SPATIAL AUDIO — Immersive sound puts you right in the action with directional awareness, enhanced by custom Neodymium Magnetic Drivers
  • 10-HOUR BATTERY – Long battery satisfies marathon sessions, extendable with a Qi Charging Case with 3 extra charges for up to 40 hours total.

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Video Review

Influencers, retailers and pubs breach consumer laws – CCPC

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has today published details of 18 new enforcement actions taken against traders in Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Mayo and Offaly for breaches of consumer protection legislation.

The measures are the result of inspections and investigations carried out in-store and online by CCPC officers.

Influencers 

  • Conor McGregor was issued a compliance notice for failing to disclose the commercial nature of content posted to his Instagram account @thenotoriousmma (CN)
  • Suzanne Jackson was issued a compliance notice for failing to disclose the commercial nature of content posted to her Instagram account @sosueme_ie (CN)

Retailers

  • Circle K Holding Ltd t/a Circle K, Nassau St, Dublin 2: two fixed payment notices for failing to display product prices (FPN 1, FPN 2)
  • Ard Services Ltd t/a Circle K, Tallaght, Dublin 24: fixed payment notice for failing to display product prices (FPN)
  • The Flannels Group (ROI) Ltd t/a Flannels, St Patrick’s St, Cork: fixed payment notice for failing to display product prices (FPN)
  • Midlands Retail Investments Ltd t/a Leavy’s Centra, Tullamore, Co. Offaly: two fixed payment notices for failing to display product prices (FPN 1, FPN 2)
  • Western Flower Wholesalers Ltd t/a Temptation Jewellers, Claremorris, Co. Mayo: compliance notice for failing to display a notice about hallmarking (CN)
  • Euro General Retail Limited t/a Eurogiant, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal: three fixed payment notices for failing to display unit pricing (FPN 1, FPN 2, FPN 3)
  • The Dublin Mint Office: three compliance notices for

Pubs

  • Perfect Pubs 3 Ltd t/a The Auld Dubliner, Dublin 2: compliance notice for failing to display a price list (CN)
  • The Temple Bar Tavern Ltd t/a Fitzsimons Temple Bar, Dublin 2: compliance notice for failing to display a price list (CN)
  • Widestar Ltd t/a Dakota Bar, Dublin 2: compliance notice for failing to display a price list (CN)

Patrick Kenny, member of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said,

“Whether you’re a retailer, a publican or an influencer, you must comply with consumer law. Our officers carry out hundreds of instore and online inspections, sweeps and investigations every year, assessing thousands of products and transactions to make sure consumer rights are upheld across the economy.

“CCPC teams will be actively monitoring compliance by these traders. Failure to obey a compliance notice is an offence, and we will prosecute those who do not correct their practices.

“We look forward to the introduction of direct fining powers for the CCPC. The ability to issue significant fines is an essential addition to our enforcement toolkit.

“Consumer reports to our helpline and industry intelligence help us to identify patterns of non-compliance, and we’re grateful to everyone who takes the time to share valuable information with us.”

In addition to the enforcements published today, last month saw the CCPC successfully prosecute Brown Thomas Arnotts for breaching sales pricing legislation and car dealer Ionut Nitulescu for misleading a consumer.

CryptoEasily launches cryptocurrency mining app, participants to earn stable passive income of over $10,000 per month.

Register to receive $15 worth of cloud computing power, truly enabling zero-barrier mining.

As the global digital asset market continues to develop, more and more investors are seeking more stable and convenient ways to earn cryptocurrency profits. Recently, CryptoEasily, a global cloud computing platform, officially launched its next-generation cryptocurrency cloud mining application, designed to allow users to easily participate in cryptocurrency mining without specialized equipment or technical experience, and achieve a stable passive income of over $10,000 per month.

The newly released CryptoEasily cloud mining application enables users to start their digital asset earning journey with just a smartphone through intelligent computing power management and an automated operation system. It supports automatic mining of mainstream cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Ripple (XRP).

A new generation of intelligent mining models

CryptoEasily’s newly launched application incorporates several innovative design and service concepts, and is completely free to use with no hardware or technical requirements.

Its core advantages include:

 

  • Zero-barrier entry: No need to buy mining machines or build a mining farm, even beginners can easily get started.
  • Automated mining: The system runs 24/7, and profits are automatically settled daily.
  • Flexible asset management: Earnings can be withdrawn or reinvested at any time, supporting multiple mainstream cryptocurrencies.
  • Low correlation with price fluctuations: Even during short-term market downturns, cash flow remains stable.

This allows ordinary investors to obtain stable returns like professional mining companies, without having to bear the costs of equipment, maintenance, and electricity.

Four Steps to Start Smart Cloud Mining

CryptoEasily significantly simplifies the traditionally complex mining process, allowing users to get started in just four steps:

Step 1: Register an account

Visit the official website: https://cryptoeasily.com

Enter your email address and password to create an account and receive a $15 bonus upon registration. You’ll also receive a $0.60 bonus for daily logins.

Step 2: Deposit crypto assets

Go to the platform’s deposit page and deposit mainstream crypto assets, including: BTC, USDT, ETH, LTC, USDC, XRP, and BCH.

Step 3: Select and purchase a mining contract that suits your needs.

CryptoEasily offers a variety of contracts to meet the needs of different budgets and goals. Whether you are looking for short-term gains or long-term returns, CryptoEasily has the right option for you:

Common contract examples:

Entry-level contract: $100 — 2-day cycle — Total profit approximately $108

Stable contract: $1000 — 10-day cycle — Total profit approximately $1145

Professional Contract: $6,000 — 20-day cycle — Total profit approximately $7,920

Premium Contract: $25,000 — 30-day cycle — Total profit approximately $37,900

(For more contract details, please visit the official website.)

Once the contract is purchased, the mining process begins immediately, and earnings are settled daily.

Step 4: Enjoy passive income

Investors can withdraw or reinvest at any time, achieving continuous compound growth. Many cryptocurrency users report earning a stable income of $10,000 or more per month through CryptoEasily.

Dedicated to making cryptocurrency mining easily accessible to everyone.

A CryptoEasily spokesperson stated, “Our goal is to make digital asset mining easily accessible to every user. Through intelligent cloud computing technology, even those without a technical background can obtain a stable and continuous source of passive income.”

About CryptoEasily

Founded in 2016 and headquartered in the UK, CryptoEasily is an innovative platform focused on digital asset management and cloud computing services. Its operations comply with UK and EU regulatory frameworks, including MiCA and MiFID II.

The platform’s business covers multiple countries and regions, and it is committed to enabling more users to easily participate in cryptocurrency mining and achieve long-term and stable digital asset returns through safe, transparent, and efficient technical services.

For more details, please visit the official website.

Official website: https://cryptoeasily.com

App download: https://cryptoeasily.com/xml/index.html#/app

Customer service email: info@CryptoEasily.com

 

LOOI Robot Review

The LOOI Robot, developed by TangibleFuture, is an AI desktop companion that aims to blend a charming personality with practical functionality. Unlike a traditional smart speaker, LOOI uses a docked smartphone as its “face” and brain, leveraging its camera, screen, and processing power to deliver a more interactive and expressive experience. It is designed to be a personal assistant, a fun companion, and even a robotic pet for a wide range of ages.

The word AI is now a daily thing we hear and it has got annoying over the last year but this is different rather that type into your phone or laptod and get thing spit back out at you this little guy paired with your phone makes it fun and interactive and less boring.

The product is built well too and runs on tracks rather than wheels has touch sensitive areas lights and can also charge your phone which is great.

Once paired with the app you will fill in some information and let LOOI learn over time and he will get to know you, you can have continued conversation here like you would find on other AI platforms and it does not stop after one question as you will see in the video review down below.

LOOI can sometimes be buggy but updates will fix this in time but after several weeks he has got better and updates come in menaing the company lives up to supporting its product which is great.

LOOI is best left on your desk and can be put to sleep too at the start he rambled my desk and got annoying but it was also funny watching him, he will not fly off a desk either which is cool so he is clever he has a personality and I love how he calls my name, you can enter any name by the way and he will go by that from then on.

Check the video below for more on what LOOI has to offer he is fun and great to have conversation with overall and less boring than what most of use these days in the AI and chatbot world, he talks reacts can get angry, sad and happy and you feel more connected than a phone, tablet or PC when using it, yes you do use your phone but this is different in a good way.

 

Final Verdict

The LOOI Robot is a fun and entetaining product that offers a glimpse into the future of AI companions. Its ability to turn a smartphone into a cool toy for your desk or office is pretty cool and can liven things up, people that have seen him here in action loved it some though say he can be annoying and fun at the same time.  The robot is a great choice for someone looking for a fun, affordable, and quirky desk companion in my opinion. 

Features

  • 1. Smarter Conversations, Powered by ChatGPT 🤖 LOOI isn’t just a chatbot in a robot body—it’s a storyteller, a listener, and a companion that remembers. Powered by ChatGPT, LOOI holds deep, meaningful conversations, recalls your past chats, and even shares its own dreams. Whether you’re talking about your day or your next adventure, LOOI is fully present, making interactions feel genuinely human.
  • 2. Emotionally Expressive & Full of Personality 💫 LOOI isn’t just responsive—it’s expressive. It naps, plays, gets excited, or even backs away when startled. With a rich and ever-growing set of animations and behaviors, LOOI reacts with personality and charm. It might notice your new hat and give you a compliment, or tease you when it’s in a playful mood. Every LOOI gradually develops its own unique personality through daily interaction with you.
  • 3. Multisensory Intelligence 👁️👂✋ LOOI sees you, hears you, and senses the world around it. It recognizes faces, responds to touch, and understands your gestures and voice commands. With its advanced perception and decision-making system, LOOI knows where the desk ends, detects obstacles, and reacts accordingly—whether that means stopping before a fall or backing away when you get too close. It’s more than sensors—it’s real-time awareness, thoughtfully expressed.
  • 4. Functional Meets Fun 🔋📱 Not just cute—LOOI is also practical. It’s a 10W wireless charger, a fully adjustable phone stand (0–60°), and a smart face-tracking camera mount. When idle, it can become a standby clock or even invite you to play light motion-based games. Whether you’re working, relaxing, or just having fun, LOOI adds usefulness with a touch of charm.
  • 5. A Companion That Grows With You 🌱 LOOI is perfect for individuals, families, and curious minds of all ages. It remembers your preferences, grows more attuned to your life, and keeps evolving through everyday interactions. Whether it’s guiding a child’s imagination or being your late-night chat partner, LOOI is a lovable, learning companion that becomes more you over time.

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Video Review

League of Legends Ranking System and Distribution

It’s not easy to get from the starting rank to master tier or challenger in League of Legends, but not impossible. It makes sense to try and learn the lol ranking, but also divisions, league points and everything else. Many players use League of Legends Boost services to speed up the climb. That will allow you to improve your rank, slowly, as you face more opponents.

How the LoL Ranking System Works

If you want to understand the League of Legends ranking system, it’s more than just booting and trying to play ranked games. The ranked ladder is designed to match people with a very similar skillset. When you play in the competitive league, Riot Games will offer league points or LP. You earn LP when you win games, and if you get defeated, you will lose the LP in competitive play.

The amount of LP you have will automatically affect the match making rating or MMR. While the MMR of a player is hidden, it does affect who you get matched with. When you have a high MMR relative to your rank, you lose less LP and get more points if you win. Placement matches will help figure out the MMR, and then the way you play will adapt it.

The LP you lose or gain will differ based on the rank. If you are in the metal ranks, you will gain or lose 25 LP. For the ranks emerald or above, the amount of LP you lose or gain is 20. But remember that before you can add LP to the name, you have to get to level 30. If you’re not there yet, you can enjoy Draft or Quickplay, and then slowly progress to that level.

Every LoL Ranks and Tiers in Order

Right now, League of Legends has a ranking system that’s made out of 10 distinct tiers. Here’s the rank split system with each lol league and ranked league you need to know.

– Iron

– Bronze

– Silver

– Gold

– Platinum

– Emerald

– Diamond

– Master

– Grandmaster

– Challenger

One thing to note here is that from Iron to Diamond, every tier has four divisions. Those divisions are labeled using Roman Numerals, from IV being the lowest to I being the best. But if you are platinum iv, then you have new divisions to look forward to and higher tiers, once you get those ranked wins and rank rewards. Once you get past Diamond, though, there are no divisions.

Instead of that, they bring their own special rules to fit the higher stakes that come from a higher rank. Since competitive is split into Solo/Duo and Flex, each one of the two modes is kept separate, so you have ranks for each of them. Entering ranked play is exciting because you can move on to the next tier, play league in ranked matches, get past the gold tier and reach a new tier in your ranked climb.

What is League of Legends MMR?

MMR or matchmaking rating determines who you are getting matched with when playing the game. At its core, this is a hidden rating that will decide how much LP you earn or lose, but also who you are facing in these matches. The MMR is based on your current, but also previous performance. For a full breakdown of tiers, divisions, and how the system works, check out this LoL ranks system guide.

When you have a high MMR, you will be gaining more LP per win, and lose less LP when you are defeated. But when the MMR is low, you lose more points per defeat, and also gain less points if you win, too. Enter the promotion series that Riot Games introduced, and try getting past gold iv, the platinum rank and so on. You want to do more than three games, check the ranked tab for your progress and continue the Legends game rank up. Eventually, you get past the Diamond rank and start playing against some of the best League of Legends players, especially when you are over Diamond I, nine tiers and the lowest division in diamond.

How to Unlock Ranked Mode in LoL?

You can play QuickPlay or other modes, but you only unlock ranked after playing for a while. The requirements for unlocking ranked are as follows:

– You must reach level 30

– You need to unlock 20 champions in your account

– After you unlock ranked, you must do five placement matches

It’s fine if you lose a few matches. If you have the skill, you’ll end up climbing up shortly. And it’s all in good fun, because it brings a very interesting and rewarding experience.

Rank Distribution in LoL

Rank distribution is interesting because very few people reach the top ranks in the game.

– 19% of players are in Iron, with the same percentage being in Silver and Bronze.

– 17% have the gold rank

– 11% are in the Platinum tier

– Then, 8.4% are in the Emerald tier, with 2.7% being in the Diamond tier.

– 0.59% of players are ranked Master

– 0.067% are Grand Master

– 0.028% are in the Challenger tier

But reaching the highest ranks in the game is very hard. Plus, there are LP gains and losses to deal with, and the matchmaking rating will be affected based on your performance in the previous tier, too.

Entering the challenger rank is very difficult, unlike getting through the tiers iron rank and the placement games. The player skill level is much higher and you will encounter a losing streak, especially as you go past that one tier where you got stuck and enter a new league. Doing those five placement matches is crucial, but it could take you hundreds of hours to reach the challenger tier.

LoL Rank Decay

Rank decay is a system meant to prevent people from keeping top spots in ranked even if they don’t play. That means:

– If you are inactive for a longer time span, you will start losing 50 to LP a day.

– However, penalties are only affecting high ranks, such as diamond or above.

– You can prevent penalties simply by playing games, as that will show your account is still active. Doing so will postpone any LP losses.

If you’re ranked Diamond, you are banking 7 days per match, to a maximum of 28 days banked. They offer 28 days before the decay, and you lose 50 LP. If you’re ranked Master or above, a match will bank you a single day, and you can bank up to 14 days, which is also the number of initial days before decay. You will be losing 75 LP per day on decay. For more guides and ranked tips, visit https://eloboss.net.

When you deal with decay, you might find ranked players from previous divisions in your current rank. It’s difficult to improve your past performance, but as you reach the highest division like diamond ii, things can get better. Just make sure that you LP gain often and avoid losing points.

Quick Tips for Ranking Up in LoL

 

– Try to dominate your placement matches, as it will help you acquire more LP gains in the beginning.

– Play only 1-3 champions per role and try to master them, as it’s better than trying variety.

– Focus on a single role if you can, as it will improve the way you handle that role.

– Chase objectives, not kills and play around power spikes. That means knowing when your champ is very strong, usually after getting multiple items or reaching at least level 6.

– Review mistakes from your games and see where you can improve, as it will help immensely.

– If you have 2 losses already, take a break. Usually, taking a breather is the best idea, because it will help improve your play.

Conclusion

Getting the best rank in the game is tricky, it requires lots of attention and time. But you want to take advantage of the different benefits and tiers, assess the match quality and see how split points are shared. And of course, track the player’s MMR and become the best you can. Reaching master grandmaster and challenger is difficult and it requires hundreds of hours of play, but this is not impossible. Harness that, access free rewards, and continue playing, you will improve immensely.

noreve iPhone 17 Pro rear leather shell cover review

Designed for the most demanding users, the Noreve rear case for the Apple iPhone 17 Pro embodies excellence in high-end protection. This luxury model, renowned for its timeless elegance and chic design, has established itself as a benchmark in the premium smartphone accessories market. Developed in Saint-Tropez by passionate leather craftsmen, this case combines aesthetics, functionality and robustness.

As a long time user of noreve cases I can stand over them using many different cases and covers from the brand and they stand the test of time and stand out when out and about people always ask about them.

With more than 10 ranges, around 100 colours, three different textures (genuine leather, imitation leather or vegan) and more than 80 options for the inner lining, each user can create a unique and personal case using the online configurator. Noreve also offers a range of exclusive options made to order: shoulder strap, integrated stand for watching videos, card slots, loop on the back for a better grip, and even engraving or printing of a message, name, logo or image. Their graphic designers can help you create a case that is 100% you.

We have the rear shell cover today for the iPhone 17 Pro which fits like a glove and looks premium as they always have done, these cases are handmade and take time and you can customise to your requirements as you will see in the video review down below.

With a textured finish on the inside and the company logo it looks great and feels nice to the touch and for the exterior part of the case it again has a nice touch and feel giving you some more grip and you also have the stitching on the back edge, you have full access to all your keys and the camera hump will also be protected and of course access to charge you device via the charge port, there is also a magsafe option and this will charge your device without the need to remove the case to charge if you are custom to wireless charging.

Overall again a great case crafted by hand for your iPhone 17 pro

 

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Video review

Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max and Hayu in one subscription, exclusively on Sky

Sky has today announced that in a world-first, it is bringing together Disney+, HBO Max, Netflix and Hayu into a single Sky TV subscription
.
Sky becomes the home of must-watch entertainment, with the most popular streaming apps sitting side by side alongside Sky Originals including Amadeus and Under Salt Marsh, and Sky Exclusives like Heated Rivalry, all in one place and integrated as part of the Sky TV experience.
For the first time, new customers can get Sky, HBO Max, Disney+, Hayu and Netflix together as part of Sky Ultimate TV from €28 a month, delivering the best value in the market. Existing customers will get easy access as part of their Sky TV subscription, with over €30 worth of streaming apps included each month, with:
  • Disney+ Standard with Ads arriving in March
  • HBO Max Basic with Ads from when it launches in the UK & Ireland on the 26th March
  • Hayu from July, with a selection of top shows available from March
NOW TV – Also from launch, HBO Max Basic with Ads will be packaged together with NOW Entertainment, included at no extra cost for existing customers and fully integrated into the NOW platform.
Speaking on today’s announcement, Caroline Donnellan, Sky Ireland’s Director of Marketing and Brand said: “This marks a new era for Sky and NOW. In a world-first, we’re setting a new standard for TV value by bringing together Sky, Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max and Hayu into a single Sky TV subscription. Nowhere else offers all of this incredible entertainment, in a fully integrated experience, with everything customers love watching side by side so viewers can jump from show to show with ease.” 
Matthew Price, Commercial Director at Sky Ireland said: “For our customers, it couldn’t be simpler. We are committed to offering them the best value and the best experience. Existing Sky TV customers, whether on Sky Q, Sky Stream or Sky Glass, will get easy access to this new line-up as standard. All NOW Entertainment customers will get access to HBO Max, included at no extra cost, all integrated within the NOW app. We’re proud to continue Sky’s legacy of innovation, making it easier than ever for people to enjoy the very best entertainment, all in one place,”
 
Unmissable TV series and blockbuster movies on Disney+
Sky and Disney have signed a new multi-year agreement in the UK and Ireland, giving more Sky customers access to Disney stories and entertainment. From March, eligible Sky TV customers will receive Disney+ Standard with Ads included in their subscription, worth up to €8.99 a month, with the option to take the Disney+ Standard or Premium plan while keeping that saving.
This includes Sky Stream and Sky Glass customers with Ultimate TV, eligible Sky Q customers, and Sky Essential TV customers with Sky Cinema. Existing Disney+ customers can also choose to move their current Standard or Premium plan to Sky, saving €8.99 a month, keeping their profile and watch history.
Customers can enjoy a constantly growing library of unmissable entertainment, from acclaimed TV series including Rivals and FX’s The Bear to blockbuster movies such as Disney’s Moana 2 and Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps, from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu, FX, 20th Century Studios, and more.
Sky Cinema customers will also get a new Disney+ Cinema channel, giving them access to even more great movies as part of their subscription.
HBO Max included with Sky
Sky has expanded its partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery to continue bringing HBO shows and Warner Bros. movies to Sky and NOW customers through HBO Max, available from 26th March. Sky Stream and Sky Glass customers with Ultimate TV, and Sky Q customers will get HBO Max Basic With Ads included as part of their Sky subscription. Serving up unmissable HBO drama, including fan-favourite shows like Succession and The Wire as well as new productions like the 2025 Emmy and Critics Choice Award Winning Max Original The Pitt, and a selection of Warner Bros. movies.
Sky+ customers will also be able to watch HBO Max Basic with Ads content. Sky Cinema customers will continue to enjoy new Warner Bros. movies such as One Battle After Another and Superman, alongside hit films from Sky, Paramount, and NBCUniversal.
Sky Atlantic will air the upcoming seasons of much-loved HBO shows that customers have previously enjoyed on Sky, such as Euphoria, House of the Dragon and The White Lotus, alongside HBO Max.
Top reality telly from Hayu on Sky
From July, Hayu, the home of reality TV, will also be included in the Sky subscription, bringing customers the best binge-worthy telly. They’ll be able to catch new episodes of iconic reality franchises, like The Real Housewives and Below Deck, the same day as they air in the US. Sky Stream and Glass customers with Sky Ultimate TV, Sky Q and Sky+ customers will get all this included on demand, easily discoverable from the homepage.
For those who can’t wait until July, from March fans can enjoy a taste of Hayu’s top shows including Below Deck, Below Deck Mediterranean, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City on Sky TV.
An unrivalled range of content, powered by Sky OS
With Sky, HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+ and Hayu all together, Sky is the ultimate destination for the best shows, movies and sport side by side in one simple subscription.
Sky OS, the smart platform that powers Sky Stream and Sky Glass, curates entertainment from Sky and other apps into one place, helping viewers get to what they want to watch, faster. Shows and movies will appear side by side in the personalised Top Picks rail on the homepage, so they can jump from Saturday Night Live UK to Stranger Things, or The Pitt to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills or High Potential, in a flash.
For the first time, Continue Watching lets viewers jump back into Disney+ and Hayu shows, alongside Sky, Netflix, HBO Max, as well as content from any channel, quickly picking up where they left off or the next episode. Playlists allow viewers to save favourites from apps and channels in one place to enjoy whenever they want. Everything integrates with Sky voice control, so customers can easily search across apps, ‘Hello Sky, play The Bear,’ and control their TV.
Sky OS is always getting smarter, with regular updates and new features added for an even more effortless, personalised experience. Later this year, a comprehensive update will be rolled out to the user interface, Sky OS 2.0. As well as an improved Sky Go app, which will allow customers to enjoy the brilliant Sky OS experience on more devices, in the home or wherever they are.
NOW customers to enjoy HBO Max at no extra cost
Existing NOW Entertainment customers will also get HBO Max Basic with Ads at no extra cost in a new NOW Entertainment & HBO Max membership.
HBO Max brings HBO’s library of content, including hits such as Game of Thrones and new series like A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, to the NOW platform from 26th March. This will be seamlessly integrated alongside Sky Originals and Exclusives like Amadeus and Gangs of London, meaning viewers won’t need to lift a finger. The new NOW Entertainment & HBO Max membership will be available from €7.99 a month for new customers.
For those who just want Sky shows, a new NOW Entertainment membership will be available from just €5.99 a month. This will still give access to the upcoming seasons of returning hit series from HBO on Sky Atlantic, like favourites The Last of Us and Euphoria.
Disney+, HBO Max, Netflix, Hayu. Included with Sky from just €28 a month
New customers will get Sky Originals and Exclusives, Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max and Hayu as part of the Sky Ultimate TV pack from just €28 a month. Designed for those who want a never-ending supply of brilliant entertainment for the best value in the market, it brings together over 110 channels including Sky Comedy, Sky Documentaries, Sky Crime, Sky History, plus many more.
For those who want a taste of Sky, Sky Essential TV offers great value from just €18 a month. It gives you access to over 30 channels, all in one place including Sky Atlantic, featuring hits like The Day of the Jackal and Brassic, plus new seasons of much-loved HBO shows that have previously aired on Sky, such as House of the Dragon and The White Lotus. Alongside Netflix including fan favourites like Wednesday and Bridgerton, and a wealth of reality shows, documentaries and adventure on discovery+.

Supply Wisdom Selects Dublin for European Headquarters Expansion

Supply Wisdom, a global leader in continuous risk intelligence, has announced Dublin as the location of its European headquarters, supporting the creation of up to 21 high-value jobs over the next three years.

The new European headquarters will serve as a regional base for sales, customer support, and research and development activities, supporting clients across banking, financial services, and other regulated industries. From Dublin, Supply Wisdom will continue to deliver continuous risk intelligence to organisations across Europe as they respond to evolving regulatory and operational requirements, including DORA, emerging AI-related rules, outsourcing guidelines, and broader supervisory expectations. The project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment said: “The decision by Supply Wisdom to establish its European headquarters in Dublin is a strong endorsement of Ireland’s position as a leading hub for innovation, technology and global business services. The creation of high value roles across sales, customer support and R&D further strengthens our growing reputation for talent and expertise in these strategic sectors. The Government welcomes this investment, supported by IDA Ireland. I wish the team at Supply Wisdom success for the future.”

Founded in 2019, Supply Wisdom delivers always-on visibility into third-party and supply-chain risk across financial, operational, cyber, ESG, and geopolitical domains. The company works with some of the world’s largest enterprises, including Bank of Ireland, Banco Santander, and Bank of New York Mellon.

Dublin was selected for its deep talent pool, strong technology ecosystem, and access to key global markets. The roles created in Ireland will span sales, customer success, engineering, and product development. The Irish operation will play a critical role in developing Supply Wisdom’s core intellectual property while supporting customers across EMEA.

Dónal Travers, Executive Director, IDA Ireland said: “I am delighted with Supply Wisdom’s decision to establish a European Headquarters in Dublin. This highlights Ireland’s offering as a leading location for innovative scaling companies seeking a European location to support their growth. I wish Supply Wisdom every success here.”

“This expansion into Dublin marks a significant milestone in Supply Wisdom’s journey,” said Jenna Wells, CEO of Supply Wisdom. “We’re honored to partner with incredible customers across many European nations, and as demand for our platform continues to accelerate, establishing a dedicated presence in Ireland enables us to attract exceptional talent, deepen innovation, and further advance our mission to help organisations build more resilient, transparent, and responsible supply chains across the region.”

Candidates interested in joining Supply Wisdom’s Dublin team are encouraged to explore current openings in the company’s career portal, with additional roles expected to be posted over time.

Why Leaving Your Phone Charging Overnight Does Not Affect Its Battery

Many smartphone users worry that leaving their phone charging overnight will damage the battery. You’ve probably heard advice like “never charge past 80%” or “unplug immediately at 100%.” While those tips once applied to older battery technologies, modern smartphones are far more advanced.

In reality, leaving your phone charging overnight does not significantly affect its battery health—at least not in the way most people fear. 

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Understanding How Modern Smartphone Batteries Work

Most smartphones today use lithium-ion (Li-ion) or lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries. These batteries are designed with:

  • Built-in protection circuits
  • Smart charging controllers
  • Temperature monitoring systems
  • Power management chips

Unlike older nickel-based batteries, lithium-ion batteries do not suffer from memory effect, which means they don’t need to be fully drained before charging.

Once your phone reaches 100%, it does not continue aggressively charging. Instead, the system switches to what’s called trickle charging or maintenance charging.

This means your phone:

  1. Charges to 100%
  2. Stops charging
  3. Slightly discharges to around 99%
  4. Tops back up when needed

This cycle is controlled automatically and safely.

Why Overnight Charging Is Safe

  1. Smart Charging Technology Prevents Overcharging

One of the biggest myths about charging your phone overnight is the fear of “overcharging.”

Modern smartphones cannot overcharge. When the battery hits full capacity, the charging circuit shuts off the incoming current. The phone then runs directly from the power source instead of the battery.

Manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and other major brands design devices specifically to prevent overcharging damage.

  1. Optimized Battery Charging Features

Many smartphones now include optimized battery charging features.

For example:

  • The phone learns your daily charging habits.
  • It pauses charging at around 80%.
  • It completes charging to 100% just before you typically wake up.

This reduces the amount of time the battery stays at full charge, which can slightly reduce long-term chemical aging.

If you charge overnight, your phone is likely already managing this process intelligently in the background.

  1. Heat Is the Real Enemy—Not Time on the Charger

If there is one factor that affects battery health, it’s heat, not overnight charging itself.

Lithium-ion batteries degrade faster when exposed to:

  • High temperatures
  • Direct sunlight
  • Poor ventilation while charging
  • Cheap or incompatible chargers

If your phone stays cool while charging overnight, there is minimal risk of battery damage.

To avoid heat-related issues:

  • Use original or certified chargers.
  • Avoid placing the phone under pillows or blankets.
  • Charge on a flat, ventilated surface.

The issue isn’t charging overnight—it’s overheating overnight.

What Actually Affects Battery Health

To understand why overnight charging is generally safe, it helps to know what truly impacts battery lifespan.

  1. Charge Cycles

Battery health declines over time due to charge cycles, not because of how long you leave it plugged in.

One full charge cycle equals using 100% of your battery’s capacity—not necessarily all at once.

For example:

  • Using 50% today and 50% tomorrow = 1 full cycle.

Most modern smartphone batteries are rated for 300–500 full charge cycles before noticeable capacity loss.

Charging overnight does not add extra cycles unless you are constantly draining and recharging large amounts.

  1. Extreme Battery Levels

Frequently draining your battery to 0% or keeping it at 100% for extended periods can contribute to gradual chemical wear.

However, this effect is minimal in normal daily use. Manufacturers design batteries expecting real-world usage patterns—including overnight charging.

  1. Poor Quality Chargers

Using low-quality or counterfeit chargers can:

  • Cause voltage fluctuations
  • Generate excess heat
  • Damage battery components

If you use a reliable charger, overnight charging is not a problem.

The Myth of “100% Is Bad for Your Battery”

It’s true that lithium-ion batteries experience slightly more stress at 100% compared to mid-level charges (around 40–80%). However, the stress is very small in practical terms.

Modern battery management systems reduce voltage once 100% is reached, minimizing chemical strain.

Unless you plan to keep your phone for 5–7 years without replacement, the difference in battery lifespan is typically negligible.

Most users replace their phones before battery degradation becomes severe.

When Overnight Charging Could Be a Problem

Although generally safe, there are rare scenarios where overnight charging might cause issues:

  • Using a damaged battery
  • Charging in extreme heat
  • Using non-certified chargers
  • Charging under bedding (heat buildup)

In these cases, the problem isn’t overnight charging itself—it’s unsafe charging conditions.

Expert Recommendations for Battery Longevity

If you want to maximize battery life while still charging overnight, here are practical tips:

  1. Enable optimized battery charging if available.
  2. Avoid letting your battery drop to 0% regularly.
  3. Keep your phone cool while charging.
  4. Use manufacturer-approved chargers.
  5. Remove thick cases if your phone tends to overheat.

Following these steps matters far more than unplugging at midnight.

The Psychological Factor: Why the Myth Persists

The belief that leaving your phone charging overnight damages the battery likely comes from:

  • Old nickel-cadmium battery behavior
  • Early smartphone battery limitations
  • General fear of electricity and overheating

Battery technology has evolved dramatically. Modern smartphones are built to manage power intelligently without user intervention.

Manufacturers expect users to charge overnight. In fact, many devices are optimized specifically for that habit.

Does Charging Overnight Reduce Battery Lifespan at All?

Technically, any time a battery is charged, it contributes to long-term wear. However, the difference between charging overnight and unplugging immediately at 100% is extremely small in real-world use.

Battery degradation happens gradually over years due to:

  • Normal chemical aging
  • Charge cycles
  • Environmental conditions

Overnight charging alone is not a significant factor.

Final Verdict: Should You Stop Charging Overnight?

No—you do not need to stop charging your phone overnight.

Modern smartphones are designed with:

  • Overcharge protection
  • Smart battery management
  • Thermal monitoring
  • Adaptive charging features

As long as you use quality chargers and avoid excessive heat, overnight charging is safe and convenient.

If your goal is maximum battery longevity, focus on:

  • Avoiding extreme temperatures
  • Using reliable charging equipment
  • Keeping your software updated

Not on waking up at 2 AM to unplug your phone.

Key Takeaway

Leaving your phone charging overnight does not significantly affect its battery health in modern devices. The real threats to battery lifespan are heat, poor-quality chargers, and excessive charge cycles—not simply being plugged in overnight.

Technology has advanced to the point where your smartphone is smarter about charging than most of us are.

So go ahead—charge your phone overnight, sleep peacefully, and let smart battery management do its job.