Author: Jim O Brien/CEO

CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.

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

 

BUY

Other noreve reviews

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
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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. 

Meanwhile if you are on the lookout for a platform where you can enjoy Perya online, play Peryagame on GameZone!

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.

HBO Max To Launch In The UK & Ireland On Thursday, March 26

For the first time ever, audiences in the UK and Ireland will be able to stream content from HBO, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, DC Studios and Max Originals, all in one place on HBO Max, one might ask now is there a need or will we cancel something else to avail of this as the monthly subsriptions add up and are getting costly.

Award winning Max Original, The Pitt, will premiere in the UK & Ireland on HBO Max from launch, including all of the first season available from day one

2026 features one of HBO’s best ever slates, upcoming content will include new seasons of Euphoria and House of the Dragon, as well as the debut of Lanterns from DC Studios

Movie fans will be able to watch the Academy Award nominated slate and best of the box office including Superman, One Battle After Another, Sinners, A Minecraft Movie and Dune: Part One

Sports fans will access their TNT Sports streaming subscription via HBO Max in the UK starting Thursday, March 26

Subscribers will have four monthly entertainment plans to choose from starting at £4.99 per month, with viewers able to enjoy the complete HBO Max entertainment line-up, including recently released movies, starting at £5.99 per month in the UK & Ireland

In the UK & Ireland, the service will be available directly via hbomax.com and via launch partners including Sky and Prime Video

 

LONDON, UK – HBO Max, the premier global streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery, is launching in the UK and Ireland on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Already available in over 110 territories worldwide, HBO Max offers the ultimate mix of best-in-class series, movies, extraordinary real-life stories and, via TNT Sports in the UK, live sport. For the first time, audiences in the UK and Ireland will be able to stream the exclusive collection of unmissable stories from HBO, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, DC Studios and Max Originals, all in one place via HBO Max.

HBO Max will also become the streaming home of TNT Sports in the UK, giving subscribers access to top quality live sports content including the Premier League, Emirates FA Cup, Adobe Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, Gallagher PREM Rugby, Premiership Women’s Rugby, UFC, MotoGP, Grand Slam tennis, Grand Tour cycling and much more.

Unmissable Shows and Movies
At launch, the complete first season of 2025 Emmy, Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award Winning Max Original The Pitt will be available to stream for the first time in the UK and Ireland, with episodes of the latest second season rolling out weekly.

HBO Max will be the home of brand-new HBO Original series, including Lanterns, based on the iconic DC title “Green Lantern” which premieres summer 2026, and the highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series.

Within the first few months alone, subscribers will have access to a range of new HBO Original Series including DTF St. Louis, Rooster and the third and final season of The Comeback.

Beginning March 26, HBO Max will be the only place subscribers in the UK and Ireland can catch up on all seasons of the blockbuster HBO Original Euphoria, before the arrival of its highly anticipated third season in April.

In addition, an extensive range of the HBO and Warner Bros. Television libraries – from Succession to Friends, The Sopranos to Game of Thrones and more, will be available in full, exclusively on HBO Max.

Movie fans will also be able to enjoy the best of the box office including the record-setting Oscar-nominated One Battle After Another and Sinners, as well as Superman, A Minecraft Movie, Dune: Part One and rediscover the magic of the entire Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings franchises.

New streaming home for TNT Sports
HBO Max will include the full range of TNT Sports content and live coverage. Subscribers can stream exclusive matches from the Premier League, Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League, as well as every Gallagher PREM Rugby match, Premiership Women’s Rugby, more than 1,000 live cycling broadcasts each year including every stage from the Tour de France, every match from the Australian Open and Roland-Garros, every MotoGP race, plus the World Snooker Tour, the winter sports season, Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 and much more. With an unchanged price of £30.99 per month for TNT Sports, the service will offer subscribers a standalone TNT Sports plan or ability to purchase alongside select HBO Max plans1, providing fans with the ultimate sports streaming experience that includes innovative in-app features across key sports and events – putting fans in control of how they watch.

In March, sports fans will be able to enjoy a full weekend of live Gallagher PREM Rugby, plus more live football with Emirates FA Cup and UEFA Champions League quarter finals streaming live in early April.

Following HBO Max’s launch, TNT Sports will also continue to be distributed via existing partners in the UK & Ireland. discovery+ will continue as the streaming home of TNT Sports in the UK until TNT Sports moves to HBO Max on 26 March. From this time, fans who subscribe to TNT Sports via partners2 in the UK will be able to access it on HBO Max.

JB Perrette, CEO and President of Global Streaming and Games at Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “After decades of delighting audiences in the UK & Ireland with our remarkable stories and brands, it’s a huge thrill to finally bring it all together on HBO Max, and also offer it directly to all consumers. Starting at just £4.99 per month or £5.99 for our complete entertainment offer – HBO Max brings the most differentiated and best streaming offer to market.”

Andrew Georgiou President & Managing Director for Warner Bros. Discovery UK & Ireland and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe said: “Launching HBO Max in the UK & Ireland marks a significant moment for viewers here. HBO Max will offer them their most loved series and movies from HBO, Warner Bros. and DC Studios, alongside premium sports from TNT Sports in the UK, within an outstanding single destination for this great content and strong value proposition. Nowhere else will you be able to get The Pitt, House of the Dragon, Euphoria, Lanterns, Superman, One Battle After Another, as well as the eagerly awaited Harry Potter series, all together.”

Accessible and flexible range of plans for every viewer
Beginning March 26, viewers in the UK and Ireland will have a range of entry points to HBO Max spanning four monthly entertainment plans, providing accessible and flexible options to suit all preferences. In the UK, TNT Sports is also available as standalone plan or can be purchased alongside select HBO Max entertainment plans1.

The following will be available from launch beginning March 26:

  • Basic with Ads (£4.99/month): Stream on 2 devices in Full HD
    • All the best HBO Max shows and movies, excluding movies that first stream on the service following their theatrical release window.
  • Standard with Ads (£5.99/month): Stream on 2 devices in Full HD, with 30 downloads3
    • All the best HBO Max shows and movies, including movies that first stream on the service following their theatrical release window.
  • Standard (£9.99/month): Stream on 2 devices in Full HD, with 30 downloads3
    • All the best HBO Max shows and movies on an ad free basis,4 including movies that first stream on the service following their theatrical release window.
  • Premium (£14.99/month): Stream on 4 devices in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Atmos (where available) and 100 downloads3
    • The ultimate HBO Max experience with all the best HBO Max shows and movies on an ad free basis,4 including movies that first stream on the service following their theatrical release window.
  • TNT Sports Plan (£30.99/month): Including TNT Sports 1-4, TNT Sports Ultimate, live event feeds and TNT Sports Original Documentaries (limited to two of your available streams)
    • Can be purchased within the UK as a standalone plan or in addition to select entertainment plans1. 

Available direct and via launch partners
At launch HBO Max will be available direct from hbomax.com, for more details go to hbomax.com.

In addition, HBO Max launch partners in the UK & Ireland will include Sky and, announced today, Prime Video giving customers even more ways to access award-winning entertainment, movies and live sport .

Watch Your Way
HBO Max will be available on all major devices including TVs, set-top boxes, streaming devices, mobiles, tablets, game consoles and platforms including Android, EE / BT TV, Fire TV, iOS, LG, PlayStation, Roku, Samsung, Virgin TV and Xbox.

Subscribers will be able to create up to five personalised profiles, receive tailored recommendations and enjoy features like Continue Watching and, depending on your plan, offline downloads. Families will also be able to set up kid-friendly profiles with age-appropriate content and parental controls.

HBO Max will be available for pre-registration on the App Store and Google Play beginning March 12.

Global Expansion of HBO Max
The UK & Ireland launch marks a major milestone for the service as it completes its European rollout. HBO Max launched first in the US in 2020 and has since expanded across Latin America, Europe and Asia. For Q3 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery reported 128 million streaming subscribers.

Children spending 4+ hours on screens face 61% higher depression risk

A new Nature Portfolio study reveals that excessive screen time in children is associated with significantly detrimental mental health outcomes across several disorders: ADHD, anxiety, behavioural problems and even depression.

According to clinicians from Flow Neuroscience, a company behind the first FDA-approved non-drug, non-invasive depression treatment, the issue is even bigger than the study reveals, as these children are often overprescribed antidepressants and have limited treatment alternatives due to their age.

Based on data from over 50,000 US children aged 6-17, the study revealed that excessive screen time, categorized as four or more hours per day, is associated with increased odds of mental health issues, raising the likelihood of depression by 61%, anxiety by 45%, behavioural or conduct problems by 24% and ADHD by 21%.

“What is most concerning about these results is the high probability of depression,” says Dr. Hannah Nearney, M.D., clinical psychiatrist and UK Medical Director at Flow Neuroscience. “While there are effective treatments for depression, treatment from a young age can present challenges that may further negatively impact a patient’s life, partly due to the side effects associated with antidepressant use. Unfortunately, non-drug alternatives are often limited to talking therapy, leaving a gap in the provision of services and exposing vulnerable children to increased risk.”

According to the study, physical activity emerges as the most influential protective factor between screen time and mental health problems, accounting for up to 39% of that relationship.

In comparison, irregular bedtimes are culpable for up to 23,9%, and short sleep duration explains around 7,24% of the relationship between screen time and mental health issues.

“What’s most important is that we now know the main determinants and protective factors regarding a range of mental health issues in children. The odds can be significantly reduced with adjustments in behaviours such as physical activity, and expanding the tools we can use to combat these illnesses,” highlighted Dr. Nearney.

The data from the study also indicated that this problem will escalate, as nearly one in every three children spends too much of their time in front of screens, suggesting the behaviour is normalized.

Meeting guidelines for physical activity (which is more than 60 minutes per day) is already low, with only one out of five children achieving this standard. And just one out of four children maintains a consistent weekday bedtime routine.

Given the limitations and risks associated with prescribing SSRIs to children, including a small but measurable increase in suicidality, there is a growing need to explore alternative, non-pharmacological treatments.

In this context, the first FDA-approved non-drug treatment, based on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), is expected to become available in the US later this year. However, it is not approved for children under 18.

“Due to long waiting times, not enough attention is given to children and adolescents with mental health problems such as depression. Too often, they’re pushed into the trial-and-error pathways with antidepressants, even at a young age. We hope that such tools as brain stimulation will become available for these young people too, but what we can do in the meantime is to follow the suggestion of studies like the latter one, and not only avoid screen time, but also regulate our sleep schedules, add physical activity to children’s daily lives, and explore other similar options,” highlighted Dr. Nearney.

Even though currently, children don’t have non-drug, at-home, FDA-approved tools for depression treatment, an increasing amount of research supports that such technologies as tDCS are safe for pediatric use.

In the meantime, this Nature study reframes youth mental health as largely a preventable behavioural challenge and shows that many risks stem from modifiable habits like screen use, physical activity, and sleep.

FUJIFILM instax mini link+ smartphone printer review

The FUJIFILM instax mini link+ smartphone printer is their latest new offering and comes with a total new design which is nice to see and I like it.

The new design is catchy looking like their new mini Evo cinema which will be up here on site soon and quite a chang from their previous printer we reviewed and it had people asking questions here and when out and about with it.

A new app has also been developed for the new printer which has an array of features which we go through in the video review below and is simple to use.

This is for the creative type like all their previous printer with an array of modes to pick from such as simple print design print simulation print and multiple print modes also frame and video print feautres.

There is also remote printing and a cool feature that allows you to tilt the printer to zoom in and out which I really like.

Picture quality seems to be better this time around which I am liking an you can enjoy better photos this time around but mostly daytime photos or good lighting but with all the features in the app you can enhance any picture.

You can also use 3D augmented reality and take images before printing which is nice but not for me I am just point shoot and print as with any photo I would take on my phone.

Overall the new app and features are executed well here and with the new robust printer with a cool design will be a welcome addition for all fans.

 

 

instax mini link+ App

 

Main Features: 

Simple Print Mode

With mini Link+, users can utilize Simple Print mode in the instax mini Link™ app to print photos directly from their smartphone’s camera roll, or even print out saved images from their Pinterest® account for some handheld inspiration.

Design Print Mode

This mode captures every detail in users’ images – from text to illustrations or other graphics, the images show the finest details with precision.

Simulation Mode

Simulation mode lets the user see what the photos will look like before they print, whether the image is going on a wall, a shelf, a table, or more, this mode lets you experiment with placement and style, to ensure your printed image fits your design plan.

Multiple Print Mode

Multiple Print Mode on the instax mini Link™ smartphone app lets users print up to 10 images3 they have previewed and selected in Simulation Mode – in a single step. This ensures smooth printing of images in the sequence the user selected, with no waiting.

Frame Print Feature

With this feature, users can customize their images by applying a frame, adding a sticker, or even adding a text caption.

Video Print Feature

Within the instax mini Link™ smartphone app, the Video Print feature allows users to isolate the perfect frame within a video they have shot with their smartphone, and output that frame as a printed image.

Bold Design

The mini Link+ smartphone printer is purposefully designed with a slim, easily portable form factor in a sophisticated black with a striking orange color accent. Additional features within the instax mini Link™ smartphone app include:

 

  • Remote shooting capability 
  • Collage Print functionality
    • Users can gather multiple images and print them in collage format on a single instax™ mini photo
  • Light/Dark user interface modes
  • instaxAiR Studio™ feature
Users can add 3D Augmented Reality effects before taking photos in the app

BUY https://instax.ie/cameras/mini-link-plus/

See our instax reviews 

Unboxing 

Video Review

How do emergency services navigate complex indoor spaces during critical situations?

When smoke fills a stairwell or a crowd surges toward a locked exit, seconds decide outcomes, and indoor navigation becomes as critical as the siren outside. Recent high rise fires, large venue evacuations, and more frequent multi agency drills have pushed emergency services to modernize how they move inside complex sites. The challenge is immediate: GPS weakens indoors, signage disappears in darkness, and even familiar buildings turn hostile when alarms, debris, and panic reshape every corridor.

When every second counts

Could you pick the right stairwell first? Firefighters and paramedics often enter with incomplete information, and they must choose routes quickly while heat, noise, and stress distort judgment. Dispatchers start with pre incident plans, verified access points, known hazards, and on site contact numbers, then they push that package to vehicle terminals and command tablets, so crews do not waste minutes hunting for a service entrance. Teams confirm their entry point on arrival, and they report changes fast, because a locked fire door or a disabled elevator can reroute the entire operation.

Radio remains essential, yet modern responses add structured data so teams do not rely on memory under pressure. Many services conduct surveys before emergencies occur, and they store hydrant locations, standpipe connections, sprinkler control valves, elevator overrides, and rooftop access routes in shared systems that supervisors can update after renovations. Incident commanders assign sectors, track who advances where, and enforce accountability checks at set intervals, because losing a crew inside a maze multiplies risk for everyone.

Maps that work indoors

How do you map a building you cannot see? Indoor mapping platforms convert architectural plans into navigable layers, with rooms, stair cores, restricted zones, and critical equipment marked clearly for operational use, rather than for a glossy brochure. Responders use those layers to plan approach routes, identify alternate exits, and avoid dead ends that trap teams when fire spreads or structural damage blocks corridors. When renovations change layouts, updated mapping prevents crews from sprinting toward a door that no longer exists, and it helps commanders choose safer paths as conditions evolve.

The best tools respect emergency constraints: they load fast, they work offline, and they present simple symbology that stays legible in low light or on a shaking screen. A crew leader can open a floor, tap a stairwell, and share a route to a teammate entering from another side, which keeps teams aligned even when they cannot meet face to face. Platforms such as Visioglobe.com show how indoor maps, routing logic, and searchable points of interest can merge into a single operational view, so navigation stays usable when voice instructions and visibility fail at once.

Finding people fast

What if the victim cannot call out? Locating occupants and responders often depends on indoor positioning, because GPS fades indoors and raw radio signal strength can mislead in steel heavy environments where reflections bounce signals into false confidence. Wi Fi and Bluetooth can estimate location using existing infrastructure, while Ultra Wideband can deliver higher precision in selected zones, and inertial sensors can bridge short gaps when signals drop in stairwells or underground corridors. Agencies rarely bet on one method, and they fuse inputs to stabilize results when smoke, moving crowds, and radio congestion turn clean diagrams into messy reality.

Finding people also means tracking teams, and that is where procedures and devices meet. Some departments use wearable tags or telemetry systems that log entry time, assignment, and last known position, while commanders monitor air supply limits and set check in points that prevent silent drift into danger. Venues can help by sharing live building data, such as elevator outages, access control status, and door sensor alerts, because a locked gate can funnel evacuees into a bottleneck and trap responders behind them.

What venues can do next

Book an indoor mapping and safety audit, then set a budget for updates, device replacement, and drills that keep crews fluent. Prioritize basements, plant rooms, and long corridors, and test offline access during exercises. Look for safety grants, smart city funds, and resilience aid to cover part of the rollout.