Tag: premium

OPPO’s New Foldable Smartphone Could Be a Game Changer — Literally

Questions this article answers

  • Why does a flatter foldable screen make active gaming more comfortable?
  • What makes the OPPO Find N6 different from earlier foldable phones?
  • Why could this launch matter for the future of premium foldables?

 

Foldables have spent years promising two devices in one, but the real test has never been the hinge alone. It has been whether the opened screen feels complete. If the inner panel still looks or feels like a compromise, the appeal fades the moment your thumb crosses the middle. That is why the OPPO Find N6 feels more important than a routine flagship refresh, and is fundamentally different from the previous Find models. 

Announced globally on March 17, 2026, and available from March 20, it brings together an 8.12-inch inner display, a 6.62-inch cover screen, an 8.93 mm folded body, a 225 g weight, and a 6000mAh battery. Those are strong specs on their own, but the bigger story is OPPO’s “Zero-Feel Crease” claim, which goes straight at the one design issue that has made many foldables feel slightly unfinished. 

That makes this launch timely in a way that goes beyond marketing language. In a recent hands-on, Tom’s Guide said the Find N6’s crease was “barely noticeable” when a finger moved across the center of the display. For informed readers, that is the kind of detail that matters, because it suggests a shift in how premium foldables are now judged.

Why a flatter screen matters during active play

The most persuasive case for this phone may be a very specific one: people who do not just look at the inner display, but keep working across it with both thumbs and short, repeated gestures. That is where the absence of a noticeable crease becomes more than a visual win. It becomes a comfort win. On this device, the inner screen is 8.12 inches with a 2480 x 2248 resolution, up to 120Hz refresh, and up to 240Hz touch sampling. That already gives the screen a tablet-like feel. But the more important change is the flatter middle section, which makes the whole panel feel closer to one continuous surface.

Table games benefit more than passive viewing

This is especially useful for casino table games you can play online, because those titles are built around constant, deliberate contact. A player is not just watching animation. They are tapping betting spots, placing chips, checking card layouts, opening side menus, and making fast, precise inputs again and again. In that kind of play, the center of the screen matters a lot. On a foldable with a more obvious ridge or dip, the middle can pull attention at exactly the wrong moment. It can break the visual flow of a betting grid, interrupt the clean lines of a card table, or simply make repeated swipes feel less smooth than they should.

This is an illustration of a roulette game on a mobile screen, just showing how complex and detailed its layout can be, and how it can benefit from the new OPPO foldable.

That is why this design is particularly well suited to casino table games compared with many earlier foldables. In blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and similar formats, the interface is full of straight lines, small regions, and repeated taps. The flatter the surface, the less the finger has to register a change in feel while moving from one half of the display to the other. That sounds minor until you remember how often those motions happen in a single session. A cleaner center line also helps the eye stay on the layout itself, rather than on the hardware. On a big fold-out screen, the extra space can make things feel easier and calmer. It can be easier to place chips, read the card history, and look at extra information.

The hinge design changes the feel of long sessions

OPPO says its new hinge makes the phone surface more even, with a height difference of only 0.05 mm, and that it can reduce the screen crease by up to 82% compared with the older model.

Independent UX guidance on fold-out phones also points to the value of larger viewports and lower interaction cost on large screens, especially when users move into two-handed, more deliberate touch patterns. Put together, that makes this kind of foldable a notably good fit for players who want long sessions on a screen that stays out of the way.

The timing looks right for book-style foldables

The Find N6 is not arriving into a vacuum. It is landing at a moment when the foldable market is getting more focused about what kind of device people actually want. The broad trend is not just “more foldables.” There is more interest in book-style foldables that open into a larger work and play surface. That matters because this is the format where display quality, screen flatness, and day-to-day comfort matter most.

CNET has already reported the rumors on a creaseless iPhone coming this year. This can be a powerful challenge for the OPPO phone.

Screenshot from: Here

Premium phones now win on feel, not just feature lists

The bigger smartphone market also helps explain why these improvements matter. IDC says that in 2025, about 1.26 billion smartphones were shipped around the world. It also said that two top premium phone brands together reached 39% of the market.

This shows something simple: people are still willing to pay for expensive phones when the improvement feels real and easy to notice. One IDC expert said that buyers are moving more toward higher-end phones.

That is important to remember when thinking about foldable phones in 2026.

Premium buyers do not want novelty by itself. They want polish. They want a camera bump that feels justified and never compromises the quality of picture, from the most tech savvy users to a friend we all have:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DOjanocDblt/

Combined with a battery that lasts, software that makes the large screen useful, and hardware that does not ask them to forgive obvious trade-offs, Find N6 could matter beyond its own launch window. 

For years, foldables sold the idea of possibility. Devices like this are starting to sell the idea of ease. That is a much stronger reason to upgrade, and it is why this launch may end up looking important in hindsight.

The Find N6 matters because it pushes foldables closer to the point where the hardware stops asking for patience. If the crease stops being part of the conversation, the category can finally be judged by usefulness, and that is when it gets serious.

Twelve South launches CableStay

Twelve South has introduced CableStay, a premium USB-C cable and weighted cable anchor designed as a single, colour-coordinated set built to solve the universal frustration of cables sliding off desks, nightstands, and countertops.

The set pairs a 5-foot woven USB-C to USB-C cable with a weighted silicone stay that keeps the cable exactly where you left it. Holding steady at the edge of any surface, the soft-touch anchor prevents the cable from dropping, while still allowing smooth and natural movement without any locking or friction. Available in Jelly Mint, Electric Fuchsia, Slate, and Dune, CableStay offers more colourful options to the Twelve South ecosystem.

“Most people don’t think about the cable on their desk until it disappears behind the furniture or fails at the connector,” said Diego Nunez, CEO, Twelve South. “CableStay is designed to be the one you actually want within reach — built to last in a way you feel the first time you pick it up, and expressive enough to leave out in the open. The colourways reflect that same intention, adding both personality and dimension to your setup.”

Cables are often plugged into a socket permanently, usually trailing when not in use. The result looks messy and leaves the cable at risk of being trodden on or wheeled over by an office chair, which damages the cable. CableStay keeps cables right where you need them – it’s a small upgrade that makes itself noticed every day.

A Design Object, Not Just a CableThe playful shape and soft, expressive colourways make it easy to add visual interest to any space, whether that be a desk, bedside table, kitchen counter or even a sideboard in the living room. CableStay is designed as a single set, with cable and anchor colour-matched and compact, so that it enhances your workspace or travel setup rather than adding clutter.

The weighted stay is the centrepiece designed with a warm texture and unique shape that makes it feel perfectly at home on a bedside table or desk. The cable is built to match: at 4mm thick, the woven USB-C cable has a substantial, structured feel that sets it apart from the thin, plasticky cables that flood the market. A light silicone coating on the cable adds durability and keeps it clean. 

 

Performance Meets PlayCableStay is designed for everyday use. It delivers the performance you expect from a USB-C cable, and the woven texture and weighted anchor make it something you actually want to leave on your desk. The USB-C to USB-C cable supports up to 60W Power Delivery, supporting charging for iPhone, iPad, Mac accessories, and any USB-C device. The cable’s 4mm build gives it a durability you can feel, especially at the stress points near the connector, where thinner cables tend to fray or bend over time. Flexible enough for comfortable handling, resilient enough for years of plugging and unplugging. The weighted silicone stay uses gravity rather than grip to keep the cable in place, providing just enough weight to keep the cable from sliding off the edge while also letting it move smoothly when you reach for it. The stay can also hold other USB-C cables, keeping your workspace organised beyond the set.

Energy Through ColourCableStay brings a more colourful side to the Twelve South lineup, featuring bold shades of Jelly Mint and Electric Fuchsia alongside the brand’s signature Dune and Slate. Whether on a nightstand, desk, or kitchen counter, CableStay brings a fresh energy to any space. Choose the colour that fits your space or use CableStay to accentuate and accessorise it.

 

 

Key FeaturesWeighted soft-touch silicone stay keeps cables in place without friction or locking

  • 5-foot woven USB-C to USB-C cable with a 4mm build, reinforced construction at stress points, and silicone coating for long-term durability
  • Up to 60W USB-C Power Delivery for charging iPhone, iPad, and Mac accessories
  • Colour-matched cable and anchor designed as a single coordinated set
  • Available in Jelly Mint, Electric Fuchsia, Slate, and Dune
  • Compact and travel-friendly, the anchor and cable pack flat for easy carry
  • Use the anchor with other USB-C cables you already own, not just the included USB-C cable

 

Pricing and AvailabilityCableStay launches April 14 at Twelvesouth.com,Twelvesouth.co.uk and Twelvesouth.eu and will be available on Amazon later in April. The set retails for £29.99 ($29.99 / €39.99).

Consumers Face Double Blow as Health Insurance Costs

Irish consumers are being warned to review their health insurance policies immediately, as a combination of premium increases and significant benefit reductions come into effect from 1st April across the market.

While policyholders are already familiar with regular price increases, further rate hikes are imminent, with providers including Irish Life Health, Laya Healthcare and Level Health implementing additional increases. This is according to health insurance expert and founder of Health Insurance Ireland, Dermot Goode.

Mr Goode warns that the latest round of changes extends beyond pricing. Substantial reductions in benefits, particularly affecting thousands of Laya Healthcare members, are also being introduced and may go unnoticed by many consumers.

From 1st April, Laya Healthcare will alter cover for major orthopaedic and ophthalmic procedures across approximately 30 plans. For example, the Prosper Advanced plan, which currently offers full cover for procedures such as hip, knee and shoulder replacements, will move to a 40% shortfall for these surgeries in private hospitals. With this plan costing €2,564 per adult, affected members renewing from April could face out-of-pocket costs of up to €6,000 for such procedures.

Other widely held corporate plans, including Prosper Care, Inspire Plus, Inspire, Simply Health Extra and Signify schemes, will also see co-payments for restricted procedures increase from 20% to 40%. While some consumers may manage a €3,000 shortfall, doubling this cost is likely to place significant financial strain on many households. Alternative options are also becoming less attractive. Plans such as Total Health Extra will retain full orthopaedic cover, but changes from April include a doubling of the private hospital excess to €300 per admission and a reduced outpatient claims cap of €500 per member.

Meanwhile, plans like Simply Connect and Simply Connect Plus, which have remained popular for their full orthopaedic cover and strong outpatient benefits, will see outpatient excess charges increase from €1 to €10 per claim, despite already rising premiums.

These developments are not isolated. Across the market, insurers including VHI Healthcare and Irish Life Health have already introduced caps on outpatient benefits, while Level Health has reduced benefits on its Plan D offering within months of launch.

Consumers are being advised to look beyond headline premium costs when reviewing their policies.

Dermot Goode, health insurance expert with healthinsuranceireland.ie, said:

“Consumers can no longer focus solely on the price of their premium. It is critical to examine the details of your policy to ensure benefits are not being reduced or removed. If changes are identified, members should engage directly with their insurer and consider a full review of their cover to ensure it still meets their needs”.

For those impacted, alternative plans may be available. Laya members on plans such as Prosper Advanced may need to consider options including Simply Connect, Simply Connect Plus, Control 150 Secure, Control 300 Create or Momentum to maintain full orthopaedic cover. The VHI Advanced Care range may also offer suitable alternatives.

Consumers renewing from 1st April who are moving from a 20% to 40% co-payment may wish to explore the Laya Connect Simplicity corporate scheme, which currently retains a 20% co-payment. However, this plan is also expected to change from 1st May, with the higher co-payment applying thereafter.

Mr Goode added,

“Consumers should remember that switching insurers is always an option, and you will receive full credit for your previous membership, so there is no break in cover. However, if you’re increasing your level of cover, you need to be mindful of the two-year upgrade rule, particularly where pre-existing conditions apply, as this could limit your benefits in the short term.

The key message is don’t auto-renew without reviewing your policy in detail or seeking expert advice. Paying higher premiums is difficult enough, but consumers should never accept paying more for reduced cover without exploring all available options”.

Dell Reimagines Commercial PCs with New Sleek and Powerful Designs

Dell Technologies introduces a transformed commercial portfolio spanning Dell Pro notebooks, Dell Pro Precision workstations, desktops, monitors and client peripherals.

Thinner, lighter, and more powerful, the new lineup brings a bold, refined design language to commercial devices—prioritizing sleeker silhouettes, premium materials and modern details that elevate everyday productivity. With advances in cooling, power efficiency and support for on-device AI, the portfolio delivers improved performance and long battery life in more portable form factors, enabling a consistent, elevated experience for everyone from frontline workers to senior executives.

Why it matters

Users want sleek, powerful devices. IT needs security, manageability, and budget discipline. Dell’s reimagined commercial portfolio delivers both. Advanced engineering—modular architecture, improved thermals, AI-ready silicon—allows thinner, lighter designs that maintain enterprise-grade performance and control. Organizations can now deploy modern hardware that professionals prefer without compromising on the standards IT demands.

Dell Pro notebooks: Thinner. Lighter. More powerful.

The all-new Dell Pro notebook lineup delivers the performance business users need for everyday productivity: running multiple applications simultaneously; real-time collaboration on video calls or whiteboards; manipulating large datasets and using AI assistants. Available with the latest Intel Core™ Ultra Series 3 and AMD Ryzen™ AI 400 processor options, users have powerful on-device AI, long battery life and Copilot+ PC experiences. Dell’s new modular design approach shrinks the motherboard to create room for larger fans and better thermals, packs more energy into smaller batteries and supports a wider range of silicon options within the same chassis. This flexibility gives organizations more configuration options within the design and faster responsiveness in a dynamic silicon market, even in supply-constrained environments. Additional Intel Core Series 3 systems will be introduced at a later date.

The Dell Pro notebooks include Dell Pro Premium, designed for executives and customer-facing managers who are frequently on-the-go. which sets a new standard for executive-class notebooks. Up to 7% thinner than the previous generation in a sleek form factor, the 14-inch laptop features a lightweight magnesium alloy chassis finished in magnetite. The Tandem OLED display option provides exceptional color and contrast, and the 8MP HDR camera offers remarkable video call quality. As the lightest Dell Pro laptop, Dell Pro Premium sets a new standard for executive-class notebooks.

Dell Pro 7 is built for consultants and sales professionals who refuse to choose between portability and capability. Combining versatility with design, these are the thinnest 13- and 14-inch commercial laptops and 2-in-1s in their class. Now up to 18% thinner than the previous generation Dell Pro 7 features an elegant aluminum chassis with the performance to handle demanding business applications. The sleek edge-to-edge Gorilla Glass touchscreen with up to 500-nit display provides a beautiful viewing experience on the 2-in-1s—whether working on a client presentation at an office or in a cramped airline seat. With premium options for an elevated experience—such as OLED displays, up to 8MP cameras and battery-saving mini-LED backlight keyboard technology—customers can customize the experience to fit their user needs.

Dell Pro 5 offers the most scalable performance in its class. Organizations can configure these systems across a selection of Intel and AMD processor options, display choices, and memory and storage configurations to match their specific workflow requirements and IT standards. Available in 14- and 16-inch sizes, Dell Pro 5 is up to 12% thinner than the previous generation and up to 21% thinner than competing designs, providing mobility for users like financial analysts and project managers, while maintaining performance needed for business-critical applications. Brighter 400- and 500-nit displays with up to OLED improve visibility in any working environment, while the large 70Wh battery delivers extended runtime for long work sessions.

Dell Pro 3 delivers reliable business computing for administrative assistants or support specialists handling core productivity tasks—email, web applications, document creation and video conferencing—at maximum value. Starting at just 2.89 pounds in 14- and 16-inch form factors, the new metallic topcoat gives a smooth and scratch-resistant finish, and sleek and tapered profile provides a modern appearance. With WWAN, Wi-Fi 7, 400- and 500-nit display options, and long battery life, Dell Pro 3 packs notable features in a highly portable device.

Dell Pro 5 Micro Desktop: Compact and Powerful

Dell Pro’s growing desktop family adds the new Dell Pro 5 Micro, delivering desktop-class performance in an ultra-compact form factor designed for space-constrained environments. With integrated Type-C connectivity up to 100W power delivery-in, the Micro can be powered directly from a USB-C monitor, such as a Dell Pro P Monitor, minimizing cord clutter. As Dell’s first Copilot+ PC mainstream desktop, it delivers 50 TOPS NPU for low-power acceleration of AI workloads and supports memory speeds up to 7200 MT/s for smoother multitasking. The rest of the Dell Pro desktop family continues to ship this year.

Dell Pro Precision Workstations: Power Meets Refinement

Dell brings back Precision—now Dell Pro Precision—with industry-leading workstations designed for professionals who demand exceptional performance. As the global leader in workstations,[xii] Dell Pro Precision continues the same design-forward thinking while delivering greater capabilities for AI workloads, complex simulations and advanced rendering.

Dell Pro Precision 5S debuts as an entry point to the family, built for power users who need more than a business notebook can provide—engineers handling light CAD modeling, content creators doing video editing and designers working in graphic applications. Starting at 3.1 pounds, it’s Dell’s thinnest and lightest workstation ever [xiii] and features a sleek three-sided aluminum design, providing a polished, robust build. Available with 14‑ and 16‑inch display options and Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 3 featuring integrated Intel Arc™ Pro graphics with up to 12 Xe or AMD Ryzen™ AI 400 processors with AMD Radeon™ PRO graphics, it delivers high performance for business and industry applications in an ultra‑mobile form factor. The large integrated graphics engine and shared memory complex enable additional edge inferencing capabilities for AI workloads. ISV-certified and equipped with up to 64GB of 8533MT/s LPCAMM2 memory, it offers a cost-effective price point for bringing workstation capabilities to a broader range of users..

Dell Pro Precision 5 and 7 series mobile workstations with NVIDIA RTXTM Pro Blackwell Generation GPUs, announced at GTC, deliver workstation-class power in thinner, sleeker designs for advanced creation, rendering and accelerating AI workflows. Plus, the all-new designed Dell Pro Precision 9 T2/T4/T6 desktops power the most demanding workloads—3D CAD, complex AI development and simulations—with up to 15 PCIe slots accommodating up to five NVIDIA RTXTM Pro Blackwell Generation 300W GPUs.

Across the Portfolio: Built for IT

At the core, Dell continues to offer the world’s most secure and manageable commercial AI PCs,[xiv] simplifying IT management and helping product data from evolving threats. New quantum-resistant upgrades help protect BIOS and the root of trust against future cryptographic threats, while Halcyon on-the-box now makes Dell the only commercial PCs equipped for ransomware resilience. Dell’s standardized BIOS across silicon partners allows IT teams to deploy multiple processor types under a single image, while the industry-first cloud-based Intel vPro provisioning solution provides remote, zero-touch fleet deployment.

Modular designs and the use of recycled, renewable and low-emissions materials support customers’ sustainability ambitions and extend PC longevity. As the first PC manufacturer to introduce modular USB-C ports in commercial PCs, Dell now brings modular components, including USB-C ports, mainboards and customer replaceable batteries, to Dell Pro notebooks and select Dell Pro Precision mobile workstations. Dell also has the widest portfolio of commercial PCs with 100% recycled cobalt batteries.

Dell Pro P Monitors and Peripherals: Designed for How People Actually Work

Most professionals do not have dedicated desks anymore. They hot-desk, work remotely and jump between conference rooms. Dell’s expanded Pro P monitors and accessories lineup are designed for that reason.

Dell Pro P 34 USB-C Hub Conferencing Monitor, certified for Microsoft Teams and Zoom, turns any workspace into a virtual meeting-ready setup. Its Sony Starvis 5MP HDR camera delivers professional-grade clarity even in low light conditions, while AI auto-framing keeps users centered on-screen. Dual beamforming AI noise cancellation microphones cut user background noise for distraction-free conversations and a mechanical privacy shutter plus Windows Hello sign-in add security.

Dell Pro P 27 USB-C Hub Monitor is for users who do not require built-in conferencing features but want reliable performance. It offers an FHD IPS panel with up to 120Hz refresh rate and supports up to four monitors daisy chained. Silent Firmware Update completes updates up to 90% faster and runs silently during idle state, eliminating reboots, alerts and any disruptions to employee productivity.

All Dell Pro P Monitors are TÜV Rheinland 4-star certified for eye comfort, made with up to 95% post-consumer recycled plastic and meet ENERGY STAR®, EPEAT Gold and latest TCO Certified Edge standards.

 

New peripherals complete the setup:

  • Dell Pro 5 Wired Fingerprint ESS Mouse provides advanced, hardware-level protection through Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) for Windows Hello authentication, making it more secure against malicious attacks. This mouse is a fast, convenient and secure alternative to long complex passwords.
  • Dell Pro 7 Slim Keyboard and Mouse are a full-size keyboard and mouse combo that deliver quiet keys, silent clicks, precise tracking and industry-leading battery life up to 48 months on the keyboard, 36 months on the mouse.[xxii]
  • Dell Pro 7 Rechargeable Compact Keyboard and Mouse combine a compact design with supercapacitor technology for exceptional battery life. A quick five-second charge delivers a day of use, while a full charge in under five minutes powers the keyboard for up to three months and the world’s lightest non-Lithium-ion rechargeable mouse for up to 1.5 months.

Together, these systems form a cohesive commercial portfolio for modern hybrid work with on-device AI.

Rob Bruckner, president, Client Solutions Group, Dell Technologies: “At CES, we showed what’s possible when consumer design and innovation come together. Today, we’re proving we can scale that same strategy across our entire commercial portfolio – and do it fast. IT leaders can deploy sleek and modern devices users actually want to use at every level of the organization, along with improved performance, without sacrificing the manageability, security or value they demand.”

Pat Moorhead, CEO, founder and chief analyst, Moorhead Insights & Strategy “Enterprise buyers are navigating a major PC refresh cycle with rising demands for security, manageability and workload flexibility. As CIOs prioritize long-term value, they are focusing on systems that align to specific workloads, offer silicon choice and can be deployed consistently across distributed environments. Supply chain volatility and longer planning cycles are also driving interest in platforms that reduce procurement risk while maintaining standardization. Dell’s engineering and design updates across its commercial PC portfolio deliver on these dynamics, combining multiple silicon options with enterprise-grade security and manageability to give buyers greater flexibility as they plan and standardize their endpoint environments.”

 

 

Availability

  • Dell Pro 14 Premium will be available on March 31.
  • Dell Pro 3 14/16, Dell Pro 5 14/16 and Dell Pro 7 13/14 notebooks will be available in May.
  • Dell Pro 5 Micro will be available on March 31.
  • Dell Pro Precision 7 14/16 with Intel integrated graphics will be available on March 31.
  • Dell Pro Precision 5 Series 14/16 and 7 Series 14/16 mobile workstations with NVIDIA RTXTM PRO Blackwell Generation GPUs will be available in May.
  • Dell Pro Precision 5S mobile workstations will be available in May.
  • Dell Pro Precision 9 T2/T4/T6 will be available in May.
  • Dell Pro P 34/27/24 USB-C Hub Conferencing Monitor (P3426WEB/P2726DEB/ P2426HEB) and Pro P 34/27/24 USB-C Hub Webcam Monitor (P3426WEV, P2726DEV, P2426HEV) are now available for sale globally.
  • Dell Pro P 27/24 USB-C Hub Monitor (P2726HE, P2426HE) and Dell Pro P 24 16:10 USB-C Hub Monitor (P2426E) are now available for sale globally.
  • Dell Pro 7 Slim Keyboard and Mouse (KM726) are now available for sale globally (launch dates vary by region).
  • Dell Pro 5 Wired Fingerprint ESS Mouse (MS526C) is now available for sale in North America (launch dates vary by region).
  • Dell Pro 7 Rechargeable Compact Keyboard and Mouse (KM746) will be available starting April 16 in North America (launch dates vary by region).

80x More Transactions Than Ethereum – NFTs Are Moving Into Games

NFTs no longer function as speculative collectibles. They have evolved into digital assets, and increasingly into in-game assets with clear utility.

Ethereum-based collections dominate headlines with high-value trades and large aggregate volumes. This focus makes NFTs seem like speculative assets tied to broader crypto market cycles, but price shows only part of the market.

When you measure transaction activity, asset usage, and behavioral patterns, a different structure appears.

The 51 Games team collected and analyzed the data, and the results show that gaming NFT ecosystems – mostly operating on non-Ethereum chains generate 80-100 times more transactions than Ethereum-based NFTs. 

Source: The Block

This gap does not come from scale alone, it reflects a fundamental difference in how these systems operate. The NFT market has evolved into two distinct economies: a low-frequency, high-value layer and a high-frequency, utility-driven layer.

 

Structural Split: Premium vs Utility Economies

The data reveals a clear split between Ethereum and non-Ethereum NFT activity. Ethereum still dominates total trading volume and has historically accounted for more than 50% of the market.

 

 

This dominance comes from premium, collectible assets, which typically involve:

  • higher prices
  • lower transaction frequency
  • investor- and collector-driven demand

Gaming NFT ecosystems – mostly outside Ethereum – follow a different pattern:

  • lower asset prices
  • significantly higher transaction frequency
  • player-driven activity

 

Analysis shows that non-Ethereum gaming NFT activity is 4-6 times higher than Ethereum gaming volume. 

Source: The Block

 

This data points to a clear functional split:

  • Ethereum → speculative / collectible layer
  • Gaming ecosystems → operational economic layer

Transaction Intensity as a Primary Indicator

Transaction volume highlights the strongest difference between these systems.

Gaming NFT ecosystems operate at a much higher level of activity than Ethereum NFTs, driven by continuous in-game interactions rather than occasional trades.

In gaming environments, NFTs act as transactional primitives. Players constantly buy, sell, upgrade, and exchange assets as part of gameplay, which creates ongoing economic activity.

Ethereum NFTs follow a different pattern. Users acquire assets, hold them, and trade them occasionally, often in response to market signals rather than ongoing usage.

As a result:

  • Ethereum concentrates value per transaction
  • Gaming ecosystems maximize transaction throughput

Market Structure: From Fragmentation to Reconcentration

The 51 Games dataset also tracks how the NFT market structure has changed over time.

  • 2021 → high concentration in a small number of collections
  • 2022–2024 → fragmentation across a wider set of projects
  • 2025–2026 → renewed reconcentration, now led by utility-driven ecosystems 

Today, 6 out of the top 11 NFT collections are gaming-related, compared to 1 out of 5 in 2021 and 3 out of 11 in 2024. 

This shift shows that:

  • users increasingly prefer assets with real utility
  • successful projects integrate NFTs into broader ecosystems

At the same time, several established NFT brands have expanded into gaming models, reinforcing this direction.

Chain-Level Divergence

Ethereum still serves as the main infrastructure for high-value NFT transactions. But it no longer dominates gaming activity.

Analysis shows that non-Ethereum chains, including gaming-focused ecosystems like Ronin  capture the majority of gaming NFT transactions and volume. 

This split reflects different system requirements:

  • Ethereum supports high-value, low-frequency transactions
  • Gaming ecosystems require low-cost, scalable environments that support continuous activity

As a result, NFT activity now spreads across specialized infrastructures designed for specific use cases.

Divergent Responses to Market Conditions

The two NFT economies respond differently to market cycles. Premium NFTs on Ethereum track the broader crypto market. When market capitalization rises, demand for high-value assets increases. Users feel wealthier and allocate more capital to speculative purchases. 

Gaming NFT ecosystems behave differently.

Data shows that activity in gaming NFTs often increases during market downturns. Users shift toward systems that provide ongoing engagement and more predictable value through usage. 

This creates a clear contrast:

  • premium NFT demand depends on capital
  • gaming NFT activity depends on engagement

Economic Implications

The data shows that the NFT market no longer functions as a single system, instead, it operates as two parallel economies:

  1. A speculative asset layer, where scarcity, branding, and market sentiment drive value
  2. A utility-driven economy, where continuous interaction and participation generate value

These systems differ across key dimensions:

  • transaction frequency
  • user behavior
  • volatility patterns
  • infrastructure requirements

High transaction volume in gaming ecosystems signals active, functioning economies, not passive asset markets.

Sum Up

The dominant narrative around NFTs focuses on declining prices and reduced speculative interest, that view captures only part of the market.

The 51 Games team’s data shows that while premium NFT activity remains concentrated on Ethereum, most transaction activity has shifted to gaming ecosystems on alternative chains.  This shift marks a transition from ownership-based models to usage-driven systems, where NFTs function as components inside digital economies.

The NFT market has not contracted, it has reorganized. One segment operates as a high-value, low-frequency market tied to capital flows. The other operates as a high-frequency, utility-driven system embedded in user behavior.

To understand where real activity, and long-term value exists, you need to look beyond price- you need to look inside games.

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.

BUY

Other Benks cases reviews

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

 

BUY

Other noreve reviews

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.