Tag: premium

Benks Samsung Galaxy 26 Ultra cases review

Most smartphone damage occurs during everyday use rather than extreme conditions. For Samsung S26 users who value efficiency, premium experience, and rational decision-making, overbuilt or bulky protection often compromises daily usability. Benks products are designed to provide lightweight, reliable, and long-term protection—without sacrificing the everyday experience and as long time users on Benks cases we can safely stand over them and use today on our phones.

Today we bring you the entire case line up with a hands on up front video of what you can now get for your Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, rather than use images we have a full video walkthrough of their new line-up of cases so you can decide with better context. OK the phone is a dummy however it still shows you in detail what these cases are like in real life and our first ever video doing such and showcasing what Benks have on offer.

 

 

 

Aurora Series: Float Weaving Technology

Montage Series: Woven Patchwork Craftsmanship

ArmorGrid Series: Float Weaving Technology for Black, Fluxure Technology for Blue

Key Features 

 

  1. Slim, bare-device feel & scratch-resistant: DuPont Kevlar® fibers construction protects without bulk.
  2. Upgraded Comprehensive Lens Protection: Precision-cut perforations and raised frame shield lens.
  3. Premium grip & anti-smudge surface: 3D woven texture with anti-smudge finish.
  4. Strong magnetic compatibility: The built-in magnetic ring ensures a stable attachment.

ArmorPro Aurora Phone Case: Kevlar® fiber extends from the back onto the edges over the TPU frame for a uniform look and extra drop protection.

Dual design options — ArmorPro (full protection) and ArmorAir (ultra-slim) provide versatile choices to suit user preferences.

Since 2008: 17 years of expertise in smartphone accessories, with certifications (MFM, MFi, DuPont, National High-Tech Enterprise) and awards (iF Design Award, Red Dot 2023).

Engineering-led innovation: Kevlar® material for lightweight, durable protection; precise fit and premium touch through advanced molding and finishing.

Proven market presence: Trusted by users and covered by major technology media, including top-tier outlets in the US and Europe.

Benks has become the first authorized DuPont™ Kevlar® licensee in Mainland China.

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Video Review

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

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.

Small Chess Table with Luxury Finish | Crafted for Discerning Tastes

The Chess experience greatly elevates when you buy it from brands which have been skillfully handcrafting chess sets with finesse, art, and culture. While refined interiors and meaningful leisure exists, few objects balance intellect, craftsmanship, and elegance quite like a small chess table, designed with a luxury finish. More than a compact gaming surface, it represents a statement of taste, where strategic thinking meets timeless design. For those who appreciate exclusivity and detail, a finely crafted chess table becomes both a functional masterpiece and a work of art within the home.

Where Strategy Meets Sophistication

Chess has long helped champion hone intellect, patience, and prestige, which merges with playing the game consistently that at some point becomes intuitive.  When this classic game is paired with luxurious materials and artisanal craftsmanship, it transcends recreation and enters the realm of lifestyle design, which are helpful to become a pro chess player. A luxury small chess table offers the perfect harmony allowing to play chess for sport or leisure. 

Unlike oversized game furniture that takes up a lot of space, these tables fit seamlessly into reading corners, private lounges, home offices, and luxury apartments, without compromising on elegance and space. 

The Appeal of Compact Luxury Furniture

Minimalism and luxury are no longer opposing ideas contradicted with the creation of this small chess table. Today’s exquisite homeowners seek furniture that is refined, purposeful, and versatile . A small chess table with a luxury finish answers this demand perfectly while elevating your interiors.

The compact proportions of the small chess table make it suitable for:

  • Urban residences that have limited space especially in metropolitan cities
  • Executive offices and private studies that demand space
  • Boutique hotels and luxury lounges with timeless incorporation
  • Elegant gift collections for collectors who like compact pieces

Despite its compact size & design, the craftsmanship speaks volumes for its premium finishes, polished edges, and intricate board detailing. This ensures it commands attention without overwhelming the room.

Premium Materials That Define Excellence

The luxury of a chess table is largely defined by the materials used in its creation where its high-end designs often feature:

Solid Hardwood Construction

Woods such as walnut, rosewood, teak, or ebony are carefully selected for durability for its rich natural patterns, which are grainy. These woods age gracefully, developing character over time.

Hand-Polished Luxury Finishes

From high-gloss lacquers to satin matte coatings, luxury finishes elevate the table’s visual depth while protecting it from wear. Many tables undergo multiple layers of hand polishing for a flawless surface.

Inlaid Chessboards

Luxury chess tables often showcase hand-inlaid boards using contrasting wood tones, mother-of-pearl, brass, or marble accents, adding dimension and artistic flair.

Precision Craftsmanship

Every edge, joint, and square is meticulously measured to ensure perfect symmetry, smooth play, and long-lasting stability.

Designed for Discerning Tastes

A luxury small chess table is not designed for mass appeal. It is crafted for those who value detail, heritage, and exclusivity. Each piece reflects intentional design choices, from leg structure and table height to the tactile feel of the playing surface.

For collectors and enthusiasts, these tables often serve as heirloom pieces, objects that can be passed down through generations while retaining their charm and relevance.

Functional Beauty for Modern Living

Beyond aesthetics, functionality plays a crucial role. Many luxury small chess tables incorporate thoughtful features such as:

  • Hidden storage drawers for chess pieces
  • Felt-lined compartments to prevent damage
  • Foldable or detachable legs for flexibility
  • Ergonomic table height for comfortable play

These features enhance usability while maintaining a clean, uncluttered appearance, essential for modern luxury interiors.

A Statement Piece for Interior Design

Interior designers increasingly incorporate chess tables into curated spaces as statement accents. A small chess table with a luxury finish complements a variety of design styles, including:

  • Contemporary minimalism
  • Classic European interiors
  • Art-deco inspired spaces
  • Modern Indian luxury homes

Placed beside a leather armchair or beneath soft ambient lighting, it creates an inviting atmosphere that encourages conversation, contemplation, and connection.

The Perfect Gift for Connoisseurs

Luxury chess tables make exceptional gifts for:

  • Corporate leaders and executives
  • Chess enthusiasts and collectors
  • Housewarming or milestone celebrations
  • Luxury lifestyle gifting

Their blend of intellectual symbolism and artistic craftsmanship makes them meaningful, memorable, and enduring.

Sustainability and Ethical Craftsmanship

Many premium manufacturers now focus on responsibly sourced wood to uphold sustainability, reducing carbon footprint and eco-conscious finishing processes. Choosing a luxury small chess table crafted by skilled artisans supports traditional craftsmanship while promoting sustainability with virtually no impact to the environment with net zero manufacturing processes. Chasing luxury doesn’t mean compromising on the reduction of your carbon footprint goals.

Why Invest in a Luxury Small Chess Table?

Investing in a high-end chess table is not limited to just owning furniture but rather about embracing a lifestyle that values patience, beauty, and carefully crafted design. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, luxury tables retain their value, aesthetic appeal, and emotional significance over time because the material is handpicked and craftsmen craving each piece with intricacies that it deserves. 

They encourage moments of calm in an increasingly fast-paced world, inviting players to slow down, think strategically, and enjoy the art of the game. Enthusiasts often favour premium furniture crafted by skilled artisans, such as the pieces available from dedicated chess stores. Finely made chess tables can also be found on marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, as well as from specialist retailers such as Royal Chess Mall, known to integrate traditional workmanship with contemporary design sensibilities.

Final Thoughts for a Luxury Finish Small Chess Table

A small chess table with a luxury finish is a refined expression of taste, intellect, and craftsmanship. Compact yet commanding, it fits seamlessly into modern living spaces while offering the timeless charm of a classic game. Crafted for discerning tastes, it stands as a symbol of elegance, where every move is made on a surface designed with intention and excellence.

ESET celebrates Black Friday with up to 50% off

ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, is offering savvy shoppers up to 50% off ESET HOME Security to celebrate Black Friday 2025. Deals are available from now until Tuesday 2nd December, giving consumers the opportunity to save on ESET’s latest all-in-one solution.

Protecting more than 100 million homes around the world, ESET’s cutting-edge security products are based on more than 30 years of research and are continually updated to address real-time threats. ESET HOME Security is a streamlined offering for consumers with three subscription tiers that provide users with broad and reliable digital life protection.

ESET is offering up to 50% off all three subscription tiers from now until 2nd December 2025:

UK Deals*:

ESET HOME Security Essential – 30% off 3 devices/1 year – was £44.99, now £31.49

ESET HOME Security Premium – 40% off 3 devices/1 year – was £74.99, now £44.99

ESET HOME Security Ultimate – 50% off 5 devices/1 year – was £114.98, now £57.49

US Deals*:

ESET HOME Security Essential – 50% off 1 devices/1 year – was $49.99, now $24.99

ESET HOME Security Premium – 50% off 1 devices/1 year – was $79.99, now $39.99

ESET HOME Security Ultimate – 50% off 5 devices/1 year – was $179.99, now £89.99

*Discount varies depending on the number of devices and length of subscription.

Despite ESET HOME Security already having a long list of features including Antivirus & Antispyware, Firewall, Ransomware Shield, Anti-Phishing, Safe Banking, Safe Browsing, Dark Web Monitoring, VPN, Folder Guard and Gamer Mode to name a few. ESET has recently introduced new upgrades to the software that include:

  • Ransomware Remediation – seamlessly creates encrypted backups so users can detect, block, and recover from ransomware with minimal disruption.
  • Enhanced scam protection – now covers SMS, email, phone calls, URLs, QR codes, and malicious files.
  • New tools: Microphone Monitor and Website Security Inspector to improve phishing detection.
  • ESET VPN – now available to Premium users (previously Ultimate only).
  • ESET HOME platform – updated for easier family protection and better overall user experience.
  • ESET Link Checker – a free online tool that scans any URL for phishing, scams, and malware.

These updates are designed to address the evolving threat landscape with special attention to prevention, ensuring a best-in-class user experience.

For more information on ESET’s Black Friday discounts and award-winning internet security for Windows, macOS and Android, visit www.eset.com.

Twelve South launches matching iPhone 17 Case and Apple Watch Band collections

Twelve South, an innovative Apple accessories designer, today launches a new collection of iPhone 17 cases and matching Apple Watch Bands. Both made from premium liquid silicone with a soft-touch finish, the iPhone 17 cases provide everyday protection and Apple-ready features, while the light, soft and easy-to-clean watch bands promise all-day comfort and style. Available in Coastal Blue, Dune and Slate from www.twelvesouth.co.uk, the cases and watch bands pair perfectly.

Twelve South iPhone 17 cases

 

Crafted from silky liquid silicone with a soft-touch finish and microfibre lining, the new durable hard-shell iPhone 17 cases feel as refined as they look. Featuring a slim profile with reinforced edges and a precision frame around the iPhone camera to keep it protected, Twelve South is providing everyday defence without the bulk.

Buttons are protected but remain responsive and easy to use while the camera control button is protected by scratch resistant glass for smooth sliding. The matte finish of the case ensures a secure grip at all times. Additionally, the new cases work seamlessly with MagSafe chargers and accessories for effortless power and pairing.

The new Twelve South iPhone 17 case collection is available now for £49.99 from www.twelvesouth.co.uk. Available for iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max in Coastal Blue, Dune and Slate.

Twelve South Apple Watch Band

Crafted from premium liquid silicone with tonal hardware and subtle dual-colour accents, the new Twelve South Apple Watch Band balances style with all-day comfort and everyday durability. Lightweight with a silky soft finish, it feels soft and flexible on the wrist, moving comfortably with the user, whatever they are doing. Durable, water and sweat-resistant and easy-to-clean it’s perfect for workouts but also stylish enough for the office or weekend wear.

The Twelve South Apple Watch Band is available now for £39.99 from www.twelvesouth.co.uk. Sizes include 38mm-42mm and 44mm-49mm. Designed to coordinate seamlessly with the new iPhone 17 cases, they come in Coastal Blue, Dune and Slate.

See our Twelve South Reviews

Garmin launches first microLED watch and brings inReach to your wrist

Garmin  is advancing the future of smartwatch technology with the introduction of fēnix® 8 Pro series. These premium GPS smartwatches are the first to feature inReach technology for satellite and cellular connectivity—letting athletes and adventurers leave their phone behind and still stay in touch. Further revolutionising the smartwatch industry, fēnix 8 Pro – MicroLED introduces a first-of-its-kind, high-resolution MicroLED display for superior readability.

“fēnix 8 Pro is changing the game for smartwatches. This new lineup is full of breakthrough innovations, bringing life-changing inReach technology to the wrist to help keep athletes and adventurers in touch with their family and friends and introducing the first-ever ultra-bright MicroLED display to a smartwatch so users can see their maps, stats, health and wellness metrics and more like never before.”

—Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing

Leave the phone behind and still stay connected

Designed for those pursuits that make it impractical to carry a phone, fēnix 8 Pro has built-in inReach technology for satellite and cellular connectivity.

Satellite connectivity

fēnix 8 Pro uses inReach technology to let explorers exchange messages and send location check-ins.

  • Text messages: Send and receive text messages with those using the Garmin Messenger™ app on their smartphone or compatible Garmin smartwatch.
  • Location check-ins: Send location updates to family and friends so they can keep track of trip progress.

Cellular connectivity

In addition to sending text messages or providing location check-ins, fēnix 8 Pro can be used to make phone calls, send voice messages, share LiveTrack links and view weather forecasts when connected to the LTE network.

  • Voice calls: Make and take voice calls from the watch with other fēnix 8 Pro users or those using the Garmin Messenger app on their smartphone.
  • Voice messages: Check in with family and friends by exchanging 30-second voice messages. Recipients can listen to the messages or read the transcriptions on their watch or in the Garmin Messenger app.
  • LiveTrack: Friends and family can follow the adventures with LiveTrack location sharing and location check-ins on their smartphone. Users can also alert their friends and family when a LiveTrack session has started, in case they want to follow along or reach out during an activity.
  • Weather forecasts: Access current weather conditions and multiday forecasts to stay prepared for what’s ahead.

SOS capability supported by Garmin Response

When an SOS is triggered, fēnix 8 Pro will send a message over satellite or cellular connectivity to the Garmin Response℠ center, where a dedicated team of skilled emergency response coordinators are ready at any time. From there, Garmin Response will communicate with the user, their listed emergency contacts, search and rescue organisations and other available local resources. They provide updates to users and emergency contacts on the response effort, including confirmation when help is on the way, and remain available as the incident is being resolved. With nearly two decades of experience, the Garmin Response team has supported more than 17,000 inReach incident responses in more than 150 countries on all seven continents.

First-of-its-kind MicroLED display

Offering remarkable brightness in exquisite detail, fēnix 8 Pro – MicroLED features over 400,000 individual LEDs delivering up to 4,500 nits, making it the brightest smartwatch ever. The result is a revolutionary display that produces rich colors and high pixel densities with wide viewing angles and superior readability—even in direct sunlight.

Rugged design, premium features

Made for any adventure, all fēnix 8 Pro models are dive-rated and feature leakproof metal buttons, a metal sensor guard cover, AMOLED or MicroLED touchscreen displays and titanium bezels, plus an LED flashlight for greater visibility in dark environments.

Built for wherever the adventure leads, fēnix 8 Pro is loaded with Garmin’s full suite of performance, navigation, health and wellness2, and connected features, including endurance score, hill score, daily suggested workouts, preloaded TopoActive Maps, dynamic round-trip routing, the Garmin ECG App3, sleep coach, Garmin Pay™, safety and tracking features and more. To learn more, visit https://www.garmin.com/en-IE/.

Dell launches new Pro Max laptops with AI features in Ireland

Dell Technologies has today announced the launch and availability of its next generation of flagship laptops, now rebranded under the new Dell Premium line. The range marks a new chapter in Dell’s premium offering, replacing the XPS brand while retaining its hallmark craftsmanship, performance, and design. The new line includes the Dell 14 Premium and Dell 16 Premium and are positioned as the company’s lead offering for users seeking high-performance, future-ready devices. The laptops are now available in Ireland.

Built on Intel® Core™ Ultra 200H series processors, the Dell Premium range delivers significant gains in both performance and battery life. The 14.5-inch and 16.3-inch screens offer increased display real estate without expanding the devices’ footprint, while OLED options with 4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rates provide enhanced visual quality. The range also includes features such as EyeSafe® technology for reduced blue light exposure and Liquid Crystal Polymer fan blades designed for more efficient, quiet cooling.

Kevin Terwilliger, Vice-President and General Manager of the PC Product Management Group, Dell Technologies said: “We’re in a dynamic era where technology serves as both the tool and the canvas for ideas and innovation. Built for the power users, engineers, creators and AI developers transforming industries, these AI PCs not only handle the most demanding AI workflows but set the standard for performance and creativity.

“Reliability, configurability, and performance aren’t just features—they’re the foundation. We know professionals need tools they can count on to tackle their most critical and impactful workloads, and that’s what we deliver.”

Early benchmarks show up to 33% improved performance for general use and up to 21% faster speeds for lighter creative workloads. The 14-inch model offers up to 20 hours of streaming battery life, with the 16-inch version extending to 27 hours using energy-efficient 2K displays. Both laptops support memory speeds up to 8400MHz, while advanced multithreading improves performance for heavier workflows such as video editing or content processing.

The Dell 16 Premium can be configured with up to Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 processors and offers 45W sustained CPU power. An optional NVIDIA RTX 50 Series GPU delivers AI-enhanced graphics and DLSS 4 for accelerated image rendering, while Thunderbolt 5 connectivity (optional) supports transfer speeds up to 120Gbps and multi-monitor setups with up to four 8K displays.

The smaller Dell 14 Premium model includes integrated graphics with 29% faster processing, and optional RTX 4050 GPU for enhanced creative performance. Both models support Wi-Fi 7 for improved network speed and responsiveness.

Build quality and materials used by Dell remain a key focus, with both devices featuring CNC-machined aluminium, Gorilla Glass 3, and a streamlined edge-to-edge design. Sustainability measures have also been expanded, with the range meeting ENERGY STAR 9.0, EPEAT Gold Climate+, and integrating recycled aluminium and plastics in both construction and packaging.

All devices ship with Windows 11 and include Copilot on Windows, Microsoft’s integrated AI assistant. The release comes ahead of the October 2025 end-of-support date for Windows 10, as businesses and consumers here in Ireland prepare to upgrade to more secure and modern platforms.

Pricing and Availability

  • Dell 14 Premium starting at €1,899.00 is now available
  • Dell 16 Premium starting at €1,998.99 is now available

Knowles Balanced Armature Drivers Power Status Audio’s New Pro X Premium Earbuds

Knowles Corporation, a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components, including high performance capacitors, radio frequency (“RF”) filters, advanced medtech microphones, and balanced armature (BA) speakers, today announced that Status Audio has selected Knowles BA drivers for its new Status Pro X true wireless earbuds, featuring a rare triple-driver hybrid configuration with two Knowles BAs and one dynamic driver in each earbud. This distinctive combination delivers crystal clear sound that rivals many other hybrid true wireless stereo (TWS) designs currently in the market.

As consumer expectations for high-definition audio continue to evolve, this collaboration showcases the technical advantages of hybrid driver configurations in premium true wireless products. Status Pro X’s sophisticated acoustic system pairs the precision of Knowles’ miniaturized BAs with the power of a 12mm dynamic driver, resulting in a frequency response that captures both subtle sonic textures and dynamic range that single-driver designs cannot achieve.

The Status Pro X users have the option of selecting an equalizer setting including the Status Signature setting or the Knowles Curve setting, based on the Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve, a breakthrough in audio engineering based on research that shows listeners across age ranges and hearing abilities prefer expanded treble response beyond 10 kHz for a more satisfying music experience.  By leveraging Knowles BA technology, Status Audio achieves the higher frequencies necessary to produce optimal audio performance and unlock intricate musical details while preserving the natural tonal balance audiophiles demand.

“Our BAs represent the pinnacle of miniaturized audio engineering,” said Jon Kiachian, President of MedTech and Specialty Audio at Knowles Corporation. “The collaboration with Status Audio exemplifies how our BA drivers can help innovative brands deliver truly exceptional audio experiences in remarkably compact form factors. The Status Pro X showcases exactly what becomes possible when cutting-edge driver technology meets thoughtful product design—an audio experience that reveals all the nuances and details of music that conventional earbuds simply cannot reproduce.”

Knowles BA drivers enable unprecedented sound performance for their size, allowing Status Audio to create an earbud that is 21 percent smaller than its previous model without compromising sound quality,  frequency range, or battery life. The high sensitivity of Knowles BAs also facilitates improved hearing personalization while maximizing power efficiency.

“When designing the Pro X, we needed a technology partner that could help us deliver on our promise of uncompromising audio quality in a more compact form,” said James Bertuzzi, Status Audio CEO.  “Knowles BA drivers were the clear choice, allowing us to achieve frequency response and detail that  would be impossible with conventional dynamic drivers alone. The combination results in a listening experience that truly differentiates the Pro X in today’s crowded earbud market.”

The Status Pro X earbuds are available for pre-order now, with shipping beginning early September. For more information on Knowles BAs, visit www.knowles.com/premiumsound. To learn more about Status Pro X, visit the Status Audio website.

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