Category: Tech News

CHERRY XTRFY INTRODUCES MAGNETIC SWITCH KEYBOARDS WITH TMR TECHNOLOGY

In time for CES 2026, CHERRY’s gaming peripherals brand CHERRY XTRFY announces its first keyboards with magnetic switches. Unlike manufacturers relying on Hall effect sensing, CHERRY uses tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) technology, delivering greater precision and significantly lower power consumption. For gamers, that means going wireless without sacrificing the performance or customisability of a magnetic keyboard.

“The demand for magnetic switch keyboards keeps growing, but with TMR, we’re taking it further. The MX 8.2 Pro TMR delivers ultra-fast wireless performance and everything users expect from a magnetic keyboard, but with higher precision and more flexibility. With hot-swap support for both magnetic and mechanical switches, the typing experience can be customized in more ways than ever. And this is just the beginning. We’re expanding the TMR lineup with the K5 Pro TMR keyboard this spring”, says Joakim Jansson, Director of Product Management at CHERRY.

CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless. More than magnetic.

The MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless is a sturdy tenkeyless keyboard with an aluminium top frame and PBT keycaps. Inside, CHERRY MK Crystal Magnetic switches are powered by advanced TMR sensing, registering input with 0.01 mm precision. All with a smooth, linear typing feel.

Thanks to TMR’s efficiency, the keyboard runs wirelessly with an 8000 Hz polling rate. Reporting up to eight times every millisecond, it enables your computer to react faster to every keystroke.

With CHERRY MagCrate software, every keystroke is customisable, from actuation points to assigning multiple actions to a single key based on press depth or duration. It gives gamers the control and features needed to improve their play.

The keyboard also features dual hot-swap support, allowing you to switch between magnetic and mechanical switches across most keys. Built in a compact TKL layout, the MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless is designed for competitive gaming and everyday performance alike.

CHERRY XTRFY K5 Pro TMR. Magnetic precision in a compact format.

The K5 Pro TMR builds on the popular K5 keyboard – known for its high level of customisation – with a new magnetic switch setup. This corded model features CHERRY MK Crystal Magnetic switches with TMR sensing, offering improved precision and expanded customisability through CHERRY MagCrate software. With a compact 65% layout, it caters to gamers who prefer a smaller footprint.

In addition to the switch upgrade, the K5 Pro TMR raises the polling rate from 1000 Hz to 8000 Hz. The result is a performance-focused addition to the TMR series, complementing it with a new size and price point.

Availability and pricing.

The MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless will be launched on January 29th, with an RRP of £199,99.

The K5 Pro TMR Compact is scheduled to launch this spring, with pricing to be announced closer to the release date.

Further information on CHERRY XTRFY products can be found at cherry.de/en-gb and cherryxtrfy.com

Twelve South Introduces Valet at CES 2026

Twelve South today introduces Valet, a wireless charging station and personal essentials tray featuring supple Nappa leather and refined metal framing. Built as a beautiful home object first and a sophisticated wireless charger second, Valet blends warm materials with modern precision to create a calmer, more intentional form factor that works in any place in the home – from the entryway console to the kitchen to the nightstand.

Valet elevates the daily ritual of charging with seamless 15W wireless power for Qi2-compatible devices like iPhone or AirPods. The soft, spacious leather tray keeps cord clutter at bay while placing intuitive charging within reach. An additional USB-C port powers another device, providing a personal charging solution that replaces the visual noise of technology with a design that naturally belongs in the home.

“We wanted the Twelve South Valet to feel like home, not tech,” said Christina Tapp, Principal Industrial Designer at Twelve South. “By stripping away the usual technology cues and focusing on seamless charging, warm, tactile materials, and an architectural form, our Valet becomes part of your decor rather than another device. A familiar place for the things you reach for every day – that just happens to charge.”

A Valet First, a Charger Second

Most chargers are designed for a specific function, eliminating the need for an object to fit aesthetically in the home. Valet evolves beyond the bright circles, LEDs, or raised plastic shapes that typify the category – it’s also not meant to charge every device you have. The soft, square charging pad aligns with the leather tray’s architectural lines. At the same time, the weighted zinc alloy base keeps everything grounded and organised. Phones, keys, watches, and wallets all find a natural home within the tray.

Twelve South’s Valet can adapt to the layout of your environment. Integrated cable management under the base lets you position Valet in one of four ways, allowing you to rotate and place your iPhone on the left or right, or turn the tray to portrait orientation for narrow spaces.

Customisable Style

Designed as a modern heirloom, Valet is built to evolve with your environment, from a new room to a new home. Starting with a weighted base in Black or Taupe Nappa leather, the outer frame is removable, allowing you to swap colors to match your changing aesthetic. With frame options in Black, Taupe, Brown, and Ecru, Valet can be restyled endlessly to complement any interior. Additional frames will be available separately from Twelve South.

Introducing the Goodnight Glow

Valet features a soft, breathing light indicator that gently pulses for eight seconds to confirm charging has begun, then fades away completely. This design eliminates unwanted light pollution to keep your room dark while preventing the common moment of waking up to a phone that did not charge overnight.

Intentional Power, Hidden Complexity

While Valet has a warm, analog feel, its power system is fully modern.

  • Qi2-certified wireless charging up to 15W

  • Additional hidden USB-C port under base delivering 15W to charge a second device such as an Apple Watch, Kindle, or iPad

  • Integrated cable management system allows for four orientation options to fit different nightstands and setups

Key Features

  • Premium Nappa leather valet tray

  • Qi2 wireless charging up to 15W

  • Goodnight Glow pulses to confirm charging, then fades out after eight seconds

  • Interchangeable frame with four orientation options

  • Weighted zinc alloy base with hidden cable management

  • Additional USB-C port (15W) for a second device

  • Includes 36W power adapter and 1.5m USB-C cable

Pricing and Availability

Valet is available today for pre-order in the United States exclusively at twelvesouth.com for USD $179.99, with shipping beginning January 15. International availability, including the UK and Europe, will follow later in 2026.

Vodafone reveals record-breaking connectivity trends in 2025

Ireland’s appetite for connectivity continues to soar, with Vodafone Ireland’s latest network insights revealing record-breaking data usage, festive surges, and a clear shift in how the nation communicates.
Mobile data usage rose by 19.24% year-on-year, climbing from 445,133 TB in 2024 to 530,794 TB in 2025. The busiest day for data was Tuesday, 9th December, when 1,660 TB was consumed nationwide as Storm Bram swept across Ireland. Evenings remain Ireland’s prime time for digital activity, with 10 PM emerging as the busiest hour for online engagement.
While data demand continues to rise, overall voice traffic fell by 7.83% compared to 2024, reflecting a growing preference for messaging, video calls, and social platforms over traditional voice communication. Yet, calls still matter when it counts. The busiest day for calls in 2025 was Wednesday, 26th March, with 502,273 Erlangs – equivalent to approximately 10 million calls, assuming an average 3-minute duration.

Christmas and New Year’s Day saw millions reconnect. Christmas Day recorded almost 3.4 million calls, while New Year’s Day soared past 4.5 million. Together, that’s over 8 million calls during the festive period, proof that when it matters most, Ireland still picks up the phone.

Beyond everyday patterns, 2025 was marked by extraordinary peaks in data usage during Ireland’s major events. During the Ireland vs South Africa rugby match, Vodafone’s network handled over 15,000 calls. Across last year’s Autumn International home matches, Vodafone Ireland’s network managed over 220 TB of data, the equivalent of streaming 73 million songs. Summer’s biggest music moments drove massive connectivity spikes, with Vodafone’s network handling over 5 TB of mobile data across the Dua Lipa and Lana Del Rey concerts at Aviva Stadium – powered by thousands of photos, live streams, and social sharing.
These insights underscore the importance of staying connected in today’s world. As demand for data continues to rise, Vodafone Ireland is currently in the midst of a €500 million five-year investment cycle to enhance network performance across the country.
This ongoing investment and network upgrades have ensured an increasingly fast, reliable service for customers, and saw that Vodafone Ireland was recognised by independent benchmarking organisation, umlaut, as “Best in Test” for the tenth consecutive year in 2025.
Technology now touches every part of life – from accessing government services and our ways of working to planning journeys on public transport and staying in touch with loved ones. Ireland is more connected than ever before, and 2026 will bring new opportunities and challenges for our networks as our digital evolution continues.

Viltrox Launches AF 35mm F1.2 LAB Z

Viltrox has announced the release of the AF 35mm F1.2 LAB Z, a flagship wide-aperture prime that not only further highlights the company’s optical mastery, but also completes its Nikon Z autofocus ecosystem. This milestone marks years of steady development at Viltrox, and lets Nikon Z creators know that one of the most comprehensive third-party lens systems is now fully available – just in time for the Xmas and New Year holiday season.

 

Timely launch of a powerful imaging tool

The AF 35mm F1.2 LAB Z enters the market just as many photographers and filmmakers take a moment to reassess their gear and prepare for new creative goals in the coming year. As one of the few F1.2 autofocus lenses available for Nikon Z, the new AF 35mm F1.2 LAB Z brings cinematic rendering, low-light performance, and robust optical quality to professionals and advanced hybrid creators.

The F1.2 aperture is perfect for shallow depth, night scenes, and dramatic portrait work. Viltrox’s LAB-series 15/10 glass element optical construction (5x ED, 3x HR and 2x ASPH) emphasizes resolution, color fidelity, and aberration control. The sturdy and reliable professional-grade build handles demanding scenarios, such as weddings, editorial, commercial, environmental portraits, and film-making. Optimized autofocus, powered by the Viltrox Quad HyperVCM motor, ensures fast and accurate focusing.

Marks a milestone for the Nikon Z community

With coverage spanning flagship optics, professional workhorse primes, value-focused lenses, ultra-compact travel tools, APS-C primes, and specialty compact designs, Viltrox now offers a near-complete creative ecosystem for Nikon Z users across all levels.

Arriving during the year’s most reflective and festive season, the AF 35mm F1.2 LAB Z is more than a product debut, it symbolizes Viltrox’s commitment to ensuring that Nikon Z creators have no blind spots in their lens coverage, whether they are beginners, enthusiasts, or seasoned professionals.

The complete series of Viltrox Z series lenses

Viltrox now offers a complete, comprehensive series of Z series lenses for all Nikon Z creators: LAB, Pro, EVO, Air, and specialty lenses.

LAB Series: Flagship optical performance for professionals

The Viltrox LAB series is engineered with superior optical performance, for premium rendering and creative control.

  • AF 135mm F1.8 LAB Z
  • AF 35mm F1.2 LAB Z (launched today)

Pro Series: For working photographers and serious filmmakers

The Viltrox Pro Series is reliable and balanced. It is built for demanding environments.

  • AF 85mm F1.4 Pro Z
  • AF 50mm F1.4 Pro Z (available early 2026)
  • AF 27mm F1.2 Pro Z (APS-C)
  • AF 56mm F1.2 Pro Z (APS-C, available early 2026)
  • AF 75mm F1.2 Pro Z (APS-C)

EVO Series: Lightweight but capable lenses designed for growing creators

  • AF 85mm F2.0 EVO Z offers high value for ambitious enthusiasts

Air Series: For travel, everyday shooters, and casual creativity

These ultra-light, approachable primes are easy to take anywhere.

  • AF 14mm F4.0 Air Z
  • AF 20mm F2.8 Air Z
  • AF 50mm F2.0 Air Z

APS-C and specialty options: completing the Z ecosystem

Viltrox further strengthens its coverage of Z series lenses with a complete range for Z DX users

  • AF 9mm F2.8 Air Z
  • AF 15mm F1.7 Air Z
  • AF 25mm F1.7 Air Z
  • AF 35mm F1.7 Air Z
  • AF 56mm F1.7 Air Z
  • AF 28mm F4.5 Z is a specialty compact lens option for full-frame shooters: a minimalist autofocus pancake-style lens that’s ideal for street and travel.

More details and how to buy the new Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB Z

For more information, please visit: https://viltrox.com/products/af-35mm-f1-2-z?ref=orbetcnl

Amazon Store US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2RJZP6H

Amazon Store Europe: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0G2RJZP6H

 

MSRP: $999/€999

SteelSeries & KontrolFreek Christmas Sales

On Christmas Day, SteelSeries and KontrolFreek are unwrapping big online savings. Whether it’s a new headset for your Switch 2 or console, or a keyboard and mouse to match that brand-new PC, we’ve got the perfect upgrade ready to go.
  • SteelSeries.com: Enjoy 25% off MSRP across all SteelSeries products (excluding Arctis Nova Elite).
  • KontrolFreek.com: Get 25% off MSRP when you buy any 2 or more items.
Give their Christmas setup the perfect finishing touch – please see full offer details below:
SteelSeries Christmas Sales – steelseries.com
  • 25-28 December
  • 25% off MSRP, max 2 items per order
  • Using the code: BOXING25
  • Valid until end of 28th Dec
  • Not combinable with other offers
  • Applicable globally
  • Nova Elite is excluded
KontrolFreek Christmas Sales – kontrolfreek.com
  • 25-28 December
  • 25% off MSRP with 2 or more items
  • Using the code: BOXING25
  • Valid until end of 28th Dec
  • Not combinable with other offers
  • Applicable across UK and EU KontrolFreek sites

Dowdetector by Ookla: Largest Outages of 2025

In 2025, digital services proved both indispensable and fragile. This year’s largest outages were defined by platform-level disruptions, particularly across video, gaming, and communication platforms, that impacted millions of users. However, given how many individual platforms rely on the same few cloud providers and core systems, the role of centralized infrastructure also played a key role, demonstrating how a single point of failure can still cause disruption to cascade across multiple services simultaneously.

Downdetector® data from 2025 Ookla could analyze millions of user reports and identify the largest website and service outages of the year.

The World’s Biggest Outages of 2025

2025 saw a combination of major outages across gaming, streaming, and social media services, but none were more impactful than the cloud services outages that affected companies across the globe. These large-scale incidents underscored how failures in core infrastructure can ripple outward to millions of users. Here is a look at the largest global outages of 2025, according to Downdetector data.

 

In Europe:

 

  • PlayStation Network global issue topped the EU list with 1.7 million reports.
  • Snapchat saw the second-highest outage activity in the region with 989,559 reports submitted by users.
  • Vodafone’s UK-wide internet outage generated 833,211 reports.
  • WhatsApp caused significant disruption for its users with 621,763 reports.
  • Spotify’s outage recorded 468,334 reports, making it a major non-video streaming event.
  • Odido experienced, within 10 days, two separate outages that totaled 357,685 reports (June 15th) and 382,003 reports (June 25th).

See more 

OSRAM reveals new wireless reversing camera system!

Original equipment (OE) manufacturer and renowned automotive specialist, OSRAM, has introduced another reversing camera to its extensive range, the ROADsight 4.3” Wireless Reversing Camera Kit (OWRCS4).

To improve visibility and safety for the driver and pedestrians in the vicinity, OSRAM has launched a new reversing camera OWRCS4, to complement its popular ROADsight 7” Wireless Reverseing Camera Kit (OWRCS7) launched earlier this year.

Being able to have access to a good quality rear camera allows drivers to thoroughly check the area behind them to ensure it’s clear and also show them what space is available when reversing. While a rearview mirror can give drivers a view of what is behind the vehicle, it lacks total visibility, which reversing cameras provide.

The OSRAM wireless reversing cameras, ROADsight REVERSE, can be fitted to 12V and 24V vehicles, including cars, light commercial vehicles, caravans, motorhomes, horse boxes – anything that may require a reversing camera.

The cameras are IP67 rated (dust and waterproof) and suitable for on and off road use. They are easy to install, and have a wireless connection of up to 100 metres in an open environment.

ROADsight 4.3” REVERSE – OWRCS4

The OSRAM ROADsight 4.3” REVERSE wireless camera kit (OWRCS4) has a 4.3 inch digital monitor (as the name suggests) and an adjustable suction cup mount. This product can support two different cameras, and the screen will split in two, so the driver can see both. Similar to the OWRCS7, it has on screen parking guidelines to assist the driver.

ROADsight REVERSE – OWRCS7

The OWRCS7, which is a ROADsight 7” REVERSE wireless camera has a seven inch compact AHD monitor and the ability to view a four way split screen for optional additional cameras. It comes with a wireless 1080p camera and also has night vision, giving drivers the ability to see clearly in dark situations as well as on screen parking guidelines. Further, it comes with an adjustable sunshade for the monitor so the driver can also see the screen clearly.

Both products are available now and include the monitor, camera and the correlating wires needed to install.

For more information visit: www.osram.co.uk/dashcameras

RRP:

  • OWRCS4: £119.00
  • OWRCS7: £169.00

Dublin Tech Week Returns: 22–29 May 2026

Dublin Tech Week returns from 22–29 May 2026, bringing together innovators, creators, and communities for a week-long programme of events across the city. Now in its second year, it aims to once again highlight Dublin’s position as a leading global hub for technology, talent, and ideas and grow on the success of its first year.

Over seven days, Dublin can expect to host a diverse schedule that spans conferences, exhibitions, workshops, networking events, and creative experiences. From world-class industry discussions to hands-on activities for the public, Dublin Tech Week offers something for everyone interested in the role technology plays in shaping our future.

This city-wide initiative aims to:

● Showcase Dublin’s innovation ecosystem to both local and international audiences

● Encourage collaboration between tech companies, educational institutions, and community organisation

● Promote STEM engagement with younger generations and underrepresented groups

● Connect the public with the latest developments in technology, culture, and sustainability

Get Involved

Organisations, venues, and community groups are invited to contribute to the programme by hosting tech-related events or experiences during the week. Dublin Tech Week encourages participation from across the tech spectrum—startups, established companies, educators, and creative industries—ensuring the festival reflects the breadth and diversity of Dublin’s tech scene.

A full schedule of events will be published on DublinTechWeek.com in the coming months. To propose an event or find out more about how to get involved, email info@dublintechweek.com.

“Following the success of Dublin’s first Tech Week in 2025, Dublin City Council and the Dublin Brand are proud to support its return in 2026. Dublin Tech Week celebrates our world-class talent, innovation, and collaborative spirit, cementing our City as a leading global tech hub.” said Ross Curley, Head of Economic Development, Dublin City Council & Dublin Regional Place Brand

Programme Highlights

The 2026 line-up aims to include

● Industry Summits & Specialist Seminars

● Open House Events at Tech Companies

● Innovation & Product Showcases

● Hackathons and Developer Challenges

● Networking and Meet-up Opportunities

● Crossovers Between Technology, Art, and Culture

● Family Tech activities

● Showcase of County -wide tech based initiatives

Partners

Dublin Tech Week is supported by key organisations in the Irish tech community, including Dublin City Council, Smart Dublin, LEO, Dublin Tech Summit, Tech Ireland, ADAPT Centre, NovaUCD, Blockchain Ireland, Eth Dublin, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Furthr, and Dublin Chamber.

Canon brings ‘World Unseen’ accessible photography exhibition to Dublin

Canon UK & Ireland is proud to announce the next chapter of its ‘World Unseen’ photography exhibition, now coming to Dublin in partnership with the Photo Museum Ireland. This immersive and accessible exhibition invites visitors to experience photography in a completely new way, showcasing the power of Canon’s elevated prints technology and its impact of enriching lives and businesses.

Following its successful debut last year at Somerset House in London, and other locations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, ‘World Unseen’ will be hosted in Dublin from Wednesday 11th to Sunday 15th February 2026, offering a tactile and sensory experience through elevated prints, audio descriptions and braille. The exhibition is designed to make photography more inclusive and to demonstrate how technology can transform the way we engage with visual storytelling.

Visitors will encounter a series of striking images that showcase how imagery can be experienced through touch, to tell stories, communicate and evoke emotion. The adaptations not only raise awareness of accessibility in the arts but also highlight how inclusive design can enhance experiences for all audiences.

Guido Jacobs, Managing Director, Canon UK & Ireland said: “We believe that everyone should be able to experience the power of visual storytelling. ‘World Unseen’ is a testament to how technology can break down barriers and create meaningful, inclusive experiences for all.”

Trish Lambe, CEO & Artistic Director, Photo Museum Ireland said: “Photo Museum Ireland believes visual culture should be accessible to everyone. Canon’s World Unseen exhibition celebrates what’s possible when art and technology work hand in hand. By opening up new sensory pathways into photography, World Unseen invites every visitor, sighted or visually impaired, to engage with images in a deeper, more connected way. We’re proud to host it here, for free, and for everyone.”

Canon’s elevated print technology, powered by its PRISMAelevate XL software and Arizona printer series, has been used globally to support museums and galleries in making art more inclusive. This exhibition continues that mission, offering a compelling showcase of how innovation can open new possibilities for people with visual impairments.

Admission is free, and further information will be available via the Photo Museum Ireland’s website.