The Latest Technology Used in Modern Bathrooms

Modern bathrooms are designed with functionality and space efficiency in mind. They feature smart technologies, efficient layouts and smart storage solutions. Therefore, incorporating smart technology in your bathroom can enhance your bathroom and your lifestyle. Smart technology can also reduce your home’s energy consumption. 

Read on to discover the latest technology used in modern bathrooms: 

 

  1. Smart Shower

 

A smart shower can revolutionise convenience and functionality in your modern bathroom. You will be able to set the water temperature, flow rate and shower duration. A smart shower can improve safety by keeping a steady water temperature. It can, therefore, help to prevent accidental burns with hot water in your bathroom. This is great if you have young children in your home. 

 

  1. Adjustable Privacy Glass

 

You can use adjustable privacy glass to ensure privacy and let in light. In fact, you will be able to control the level of privacy and light exposure in your bathroom. Adjustable privacy glass enhances privacy, provides excellent light control, enhances the aesthetic appeal of the bathroom and reduces the need for artificial lighting. 

According to oconnorcarrollbathrooms.ie, adjustable privacy glass will save you so much money. How? You will just use natural light during the day. This will reduce your energy consumption. 

 

  1. LED Mirrors

 

LED mirrors allow you to customise the ambience of your bathroom. These mirrors provide even and adjustable lighting. That is why they can eliminate shadows and enhance visibility in a bathroom. In addition, you can check the news, weather and traffic while getting ready. This is because LED mirrors have built-in displays. 

 

  1. Smart Faucets

 

Smart faucets can enhance a bathroom with modern convenience and water efficiency. Installing smart faucets can, therefore, help reduce water wastage and reduce the spread of germs in your home. Touchless faucets, for example, can be controlled through touchless technology. 

Remember, you do not have to touch the faucet to wash your hands after using the toilet or even changing a diaper. That is why a touchless faucet will minimise the spread of germs in your bathroom. 

 

  1. Floor Heating System

 

A floor heating system allows you to step out of the shower onto warm tiles. Installing a radiant floor heating system for your bathroom ensures your bathroom stays evenly heated, reduces energy bills over time and reduces maintenance costs. That is why a radiant floor heating system will save you money over the long term. 

 

  1. Smart Scale

 

You probably want to focus on your health. Therefore, you need to have a smart scale in your bathroom. You will use it to track your fitness goals. Thankfully, there are smart bathroom scales. They can track and store data. You can use them to measure your weight and track information about your body composition. These are highly recommended by personaltraineronline.ie

 

  1. Aromatherapy Diffuser

 

Do you want to make your bathroom smell good? An aromatherapy diffuser can help. How? It disperses essential oil into the air. You will enjoy the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy in your bathroom. 

You probably use your bathroom to relax at home. So, why not use an aromatherapy diffuser to create a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom? 

 

  1. Water Recycler

 

Recycling water can save energy and save money on your water bills. You can use a water recycler to recycle water from your washing machines, bath and even shower. You will reuse the water for toilets and garden irrigation. Installing this smart device can save you money in the long term. It is best to hire a professional to install a water recycler in your home. 

 

  1. Waterproof TV

 

Bathrooms are not just for washing up. It can be a place for relaxation and mindfulness. In fact, you can enjoy a long soak in the bath and catch on your favourite TV show. You can, therefore, put a waterproof TV in your modern bathroom to help you relax and unwind with your favourite TV show. 

 

  1. Smart Toilets

 

Smart toilets have become a staple in modern bathrooms. Want to indulge in the finer things and conserve water? Then, install smart toilets in your home. Smart toilets are more accessible, conserve water, save space and improve bathroom hygiene. In fact, they can reduce the risk of overflowing. So, they can reduce water wastage. 

 

  1. Integrated Voice Assistants

 

Do you want to enjoy a hands-free experience in your bathroom? You, then, need to integrate voice-controlled features in your bathroom. You will be able to use voice commands to control various aspects of your bathroom, including lighting, showers, music and even your toilet. 

 

  1. Warming Drawers

 

Bathrooms usually feel cold. Your towels will, therefore, feel cold to the touch. You will not want to wrap yourself in a cold towel. Fortunately, you can install a warming drawer in your modern bathroom. If you want a hot towel on demand, install a warming drawer in your bathroom. A warming drawer means no more damp towels. You will always wrap yourself in a warm towel. 

 

  1. Smart thermostat

 

Do you want to remotely adjust the temperature in your bathroom? Install a smart thermostat. You will be able to adjust heating and cooling to maximise energy savings in your bathroom. Having a thermostat can help keep your bathroom at stable temperatures. However, the thermostat should be installed at a safe distance from showers and tubs. 

Final Thoughts 

These are the latest technology in modern bathrooms. Installing modern technology in your bathroom can reduce water wastage, lower your electricity bills, enhance the comfort and convenience of your bathroom, and even increase your home’s value. You can, therefore, install modern features to transform your bathroom into a smart oasis.

 

Sony announces arrival of 65-inch BRAVIA 9 in Europe

Sony Europe B.V. has announced the highly anticipated arrival of the 65-inch BRAVIA 9 television in Europe, offering a truly immersive cinematic experience for movie and entertainment enthusiasts in a more compact screen size. This premium TV boasts exceptional picture quality and cutting-edge features designed to elevate your home entertainment to new heights.

“We have listened to customer and media feedback and are thrilled to expand the BRAVIA 9 range in Europe with an additional 65-inch screen size model in November,” said Shoji Ohama, Head of Home Entertainment Product Planning and Marketing at Sony Europe. “This TV embodies decades of Sony’s close relationship with the film industry as well as commitment to innovation and delivering the best possible viewing experience. With its exceptional picture quality, immersive sound, and user-friendly features, the BRAVIA 9 has all it takes to become the centrepiece of any home entertainment system.”

Unparalleled brightness meets precise backlight control

The BRAVIA 9 pushes the boundaries of picture quality with its revolutionary combination of high peak brightness and precise backlight control. This translates to stunning visuals with incredible detail, vibrant colours, and deep blacks. The XR Backlight Master Drive, featuring thousands of mini-LED zones, delivers exceptional contrast by precisely controlling the lighting in each zone. This ensures that even the most challenging scenes, with both bright and dark elements, are displayed with remarkable clarity and realism.

Studio-calibrated modes for authentic viewing

The BRAVIA 9 is meticulously calibrated to deliver an experience that faithfully reproduces the creator’s vision. Pre-installed Netflix Calibrated Mode, Prime Video Calibrated Mode, and SONY PICTURES CORE calibrated mode ensure that your favourite movies and shows look exactly as intended. Whether you’re streaming the latest blockbuster or revisiting a classic film, the BRAVIA 9 guarantees an authentic cinematic experience in the comfort of your own home.

Additional key features:

  • XR Processor: Sony’s powerful XR Processor analyses content scene by scene, intelligently adjusting picture and sound for an unparalleled viewing experience.
  • X-Anti Reflection: Enjoy a clear, immersive picture even in bright rooms thanks to the innovative X-Anti Reflection filter.
  • X Wide Angle: Experience stunning picture quality from virtually any viewing angle with the X Wide Angle technology.
  • Immersive sound: New BRAVIA 9 TVs feature Acoustic Multi-Audio+ and are the world’s first with Beam Tweeter at the top and Frame Tweeter at the sides to deliver cinematic surround sound. Every sound comes from exactly the right place.

Pricing and availability

The BRAVIA 9 in a 65-inch screen size will be available in Europe starting in November 2024. For pricing and exact availability details in your country, please visit https://www.sony.co.uk/bravia/products/bravia-9.

See other Sony news and reviews 

Expert suggests summer of sport TV time for workers may boost return to office and team morale

As we approach a summer of sport across Ireland, many avid supporters may be looking to keep up with their sport of choice. With Euros already begun, Wimbledon on the way and the Paris Olympic Games kicking off from July, many workers residing in the office may hope to catch matches and games whilst at work.

Past YouGov studies have revealed only 23% of employees at a permanent workplace have permission to watch TV at work, meaning a large portion of the workforce will miss out on watching the action live, or worse, will instead choose to miss work so they can get involved in the action elsewhere.

The same survey noted that almost 1 in 3 (29%) of workers would like the opportunity to watch sporting events whilst at work. More than a fifth of male employees surveyed in the research suggested watching sporting events encourages ‘good team spirit’ in the workplace.

Is TV time at the office the key to boosting team spirit and morale?

Shane Duffy, Managing Director at Click Offices says that hosting watch parties in the workplace is a great way to not only encourage employees into the office, but to also provide flexible working solutions that fosters greater team morale.

“We all know how hard it’s been to get people back to the office since the pandemic, and with more people than ever choosing flexible working patterns that allow them better work/life balance, you really have to make coming to the office a worthwhile affair for employees.

It’s all well and good providing varied work environments and top of the range serviced offices, but employees are wanting more than just coffee making facilities and proximity to a good sports bar to watch the game after work.

“Gen Z especially are wanting more of an experience from their work days, and their motivations are different to the generations before them. It’s not just all about the money for them, they want to feel like they’re part of a team, they need motivation in other ways.

A survey recently showed that more than half of Gen Zers say that watching live games is one of the best ways to engage with the Euros especially, and so combining their passions outside of work with an enthusiastic work environment is an easy way to attract and maintain the Gen Z workforce.

“What’s more attractive to employees than coming together with your work mates to watch some sport, enjoy some food, have a laugh and maybe answer a few emails while you’re at it?”

How to balance fun work environment with HR-approved inclusivity

Hosting a workplace watch party isn’t as easy as bringing in the big TV and putting on some food and drink for the team – there are a number of things employers need to be mindful of when encouraging staff to let their hair down in a professional environment.

David Rice, HR expert at People Managing People shares his top tips for hosting a workplace watch party that won’t get you in trouble with the HR team.

  1. Keep Things Inclusive

“Just make sure you create a welcoming environment for everyone. That means food options for everyone, including those with allergies or dietary requirements. Put out a quick survey so you know if there’s anything people can’t enjoy, such as gluten or shellfish. This way you have options for everyone.

“As for alcohol, you’ll want to think about the fact that some folks don’t drink or may be in recovery for alcoholism and provide support if the event is triggering in some way. Whether that’s pairing them with other people in recovery or creating alcohol free spaces for them to enjoy.”

  1. Avoid Creating Distractions

“These sorts of events are good in a few ways. For one, they definitely boost morale and create a sort of bonding experience for employees where they can find common ground and chat with people they wouldn’t normally interact with. But it also breaks up the monotony of the working calendar and provides something memorable. This is a nice way to mark a time of the year and create memorable experiences in the workplace.

“If it becomes excessive, it can be a distraction. If you have employees who are fans of other countries, it’s important to be respectful of everyone and celebrate their cultures. Nationalism is inherent to some extent in international sports, but that can turn ugly if nurtured in the wrong way.”

  1. It’s Not That Deep

“Since the Ancient Greeks, sport has been used to entertain, celebrate and enjoy a distraction from daily life. This time in history isn’t that different and we should use it to remind ourselves that life isn’t just corporate deadlines and P&L reports.

“Sports inspire people to try harder, take better care of themselves, overcome adversity and work together. That’s why they’re such a great metaphor for teamwork in all settings, but in this case, the CEO doesn’t have to make some cringey reference to getting the ball over the goal line, people can just see the dynamics of teamwork and how everything comes together by watching what plays out.”

  1. Promote Workplace Flexibility

“Summer tends to be a period in which people cash in annual leave or they tend to disengage as their desire to be out and about in the sunshine increases. By embracing these types of events, you allow for people to break without actually taking holiday or just actively disengaging. They’ll appreciate your flexibility and understanding of the importance of such events in the national culture.”

For more information on serviced office solutions in Dublin, please visit Click Offices: https://www.clickoffices.com/serviced-offices/ireland/dublin

TV delivers high active engagement, finds research by Amplified Intelligence, RED C, and TAM Ireland

Amplified Intelligence, the most trusted source for accurate attention measurement, has released an in-depth evaluation of attention paid to ads on linear TV and BVOD (broadcast video on demand). Conducted in partnership with Ireland’s premier research consultancy provider, RED C Research, and TAM Ireland — The Irish TV measurement organisation — key results include the finding that 62% of Irish viewers consistently engage with TV ads.

The partnership brings together Amplified Intelligence’s industry-leading AI-powered technology and RED C Research’s unique panel to accurately measure the power of traditional media channels. Quantifying the persistent value of TV advertising, this research provides a vital insight base for brands and agencies aiming to craft high-impact cross-channel campaigns.

Encompassing a 200-strong panel of Irish viewers and 13,000 ad views, the study measured live engagement with creative from three major brands – including AIB and Irish Life — over linear TV, as well BVOD ads served to TV and mobile screens. Using Amplified Intelligence’s smart eye-tracking and gaze detection technology, in-the-moment viewing was meticulously measured to achieve a refined understanding of active, passive, and non-attention. 

 Key takeaways include: 

  • Six in ten viewers are engaged: 

A sizeable 62% of viewers consistently engage with ads at some level; paying either active or passive attention, which is directly related to the quality of content across the TV network. 

  • Advertising on TV increases likelihood to buy by 30%: When advertising on linear TV and BVOD, brands are 30% more likely to be chosen in a purchasing situation. Purchase probability is particularly high in key categories such as finance and healthcare, with each seeing increases of 68% & 21% respectively.

  • Ads captivate attention for longer: Attention duration among viewers exceeds other markets; ranking at 300% higher than global Amplified Intelligence benchmarks for linear TV and BVOD, suggesting a reduced level of attention decay. 

“An accurate understanding of attention is critical to fortifying media and advertising for the future. Our human-centric approach has always been at the forefront of all our research and this partnership with RED C Research and TAM Ireland proves that human behaviour is ever-changing and the only true indicator of the effectiveness of media platforms. We hope that this data will encourage advertisers and agencies to reevaluate their campaign strategies, and also serve as proof of concept that TV is still a valuable sector for ad dollars.” said Dr Karen Nelson-Field, Founder and CEO of Amplified Intelligence. 

Jill McGrath, CEO at TAM Ireland commented: “We wanted to better understand what drives the effectiveness of TV advertising and gain a comprehensive insight that underpins more impactful and cost-efficient campaigns. The results exceeded our expectations and reinforced our belief that Linear TV and BVOD are holding their own in the face of stiff competition from new media.”

Richard Colwell, CEO, RED C Research added: “Our long-standing relationship with Amplified Intelligence already demonstrated the efficiency and effectiveness of measuring true audience behaviour in live environments, with collaborative efforts exploring the impact of social media ads. This research cements the precision and quality of its robust measurement approach, as well as expanding on our previous knowledge base. Looking at TV through a comparable lens, we can now provide insights that allow us to give clients an even better understanding of how their ads perform, at a brand level and across varying platforms.”

Brits spend 182.5 hours per year searching for something to watch, study finds

Being stuck between multiple streaming services and debating what to watch can be time-consuming. A recent study by Currys uncovered how much time people spend choosing a programme or movie to watch and asked 2,018 Brits to understand their challenges and difficulties in selecting what to watch. Out of those asked, 10% admitted they spend up to 2 hours trying to find something to watch, with the average time spent, across all respondents, on this decision dilemma being 30 minutes a day.

For those who find themselves watching TV daily, this 30 minutes per day translates to a staggering 182.5 hours per year dedicated to the daunting task of deciding what to watch—equivalent to just over 7 days annually lost to “choice paralysis”.

The survey also revealed that nearly 60% admit that after endless scrolling, they give up on finding something to watch altogether.

Endless scrolling for the perfect show can lead to overwhelming anxiety, making the search for something enjoyable more stressful than fun.

Dr. George Fieldman, a Consultant Psychologist, offers insights into the reasons behind people’s anxiety when it comes to deciding what to watch on TV, he said: “Fear and danger are poorly correlated which means that people fear making the wrong choice. Even when it comes to picking something to watch on TV still comes with a fair amount of factors to consider which can lead you to spiral into anxiety. What you watch is a significant investment of time and people don’t want to make the wrong choice. It has to be worthwhile to justify spending that time which could be spent elsewhere.

“Those that suffer from anxiety are more likely to experience choice paralysis. This usually happens because making the right choice is important for them and they overestimate the impact of making the wrong decision.”

Brits only give shows 34 minutes to impress them

The study also revealed that UK viewers take a surprisingly short time to figure out if they want to continue watching a show or not, with the average decision time being 34 minutes to assess whether the unfolding plot or character dynamics align with expectations and preferences.

When it comes to movies, Brits take even less time to decide as the average time is just 30 minutes before turning it off.

The storyline was found to be the most important factor for 47% of Brits when choosing a TV program. Delving deeper into their considerations, the cast and actors follow closely at 41% and genre at 40% (with drama voted as the UK’s go-to genre). Combining this with the influence of reviews standing at 31%, it highlights a varied approach to viewers’ decision-making process.

Top pet peeves for Brits when trying to watch something 

Considering the hassle of trying to decide what to watch, the last thing Brits want is to be disturbed while viewing. The survey found that the top bug bear of Brits while watching a film or TV is someone talking, this being a top annoying habit for 45% of respondents.

Next is spoiling key moments for 32%, in joint third, people checking their phones (30%) and constantly asking about the plot (30%) and lastly falling asleep during the show or movie, which is a pet peeve for 27%.

Action % who find this annoying
Talking 45%
Spoiling key moments 32%
People checking phones 30%
Constantly asking about the plot 30%
Falling asleep 27%

You can find the full study here: https://www.currys.co.uk/techtalk/tv-advice/no-you-choose.html

Sony announces all-new TV & home audio line up – Cinema Is Coming Home

Sony has announced the all-new BRAVIA TVs line-up, along with perfectly matching new BRAVIA Theatre home audio products – making it easier for consumers to choose and combine a complete home entertainment package for an outstanding cinematic experience.

BRAVIA

  • The flagship BRAVIA 9 is capable of high peak luminance, deep blacks, supreme contrast and beautifully natural colours.
  • BRAVIA 9 will feature Acoustic Multi-Audio+ and are the world’s first with Beam Tweeter at the top and Frame Tweeter at the sides to deliver cinematic surround sound.
  • Sony’s new Voice Zoom 3 recognises human dialogue through AI algorithms and amplifies or reduces its volume so even small dialogue sounds loud and clear.
  • Prime Video Calibrated Mode – a new mode designed to provide customers with even more ways to experience premium entertainment through the lens of the creator. Customers can enjoy optimum picture quality that is automatically calibrated across movies, series, and for the first time, live sports.

BRAVIA Theatre

  • With BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 and BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 you can enjoy 360 Spatial Sound Mapping using just a single soundbar. BRAVIA Theatre Quad can realise wider surround sound with 4 slim speakers.
    • 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology, multiple phantom speakers are generated in locations where there are no actual physical speakers, such as above or to the side

 

  • BRAVIA Theatre Products are compatible with the Sound Field Optimization, which automatically adjusts and tunes each speaker
  • Introducing BRAVIA Theatre U – When you combine BRAVIA TVs and BRAVIA Theatre products, the Acoustic Center Sync function fuses the sound of the TV’s speakers and the soundbar seamlessly, creating a cinema-like experience where the sound appears to come directly from the TV screen.

 

Line up information

BRAVIA

  • BRAVIA 9 QLED (mini LED) available in 85”, 75”
  • BRAVIA 8 OLED available in 77”, 65”, 55”
  • BRAVIA 7 QLED (mini LED) available in 85”, 75”, 65”, 55”
  • See more –  here 

BRAVIA Theatre home audio

  • BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9
  • BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8
  • BRAVIA Theatre Quad
  • BRAVIA Theatre 
  • See more here

Mapped: How Much Netflix Costs in Every Country

Netflix, the renowned streaming giant, has transformed the way we consume entertainment, providing a vast library of movies, TV shows, and documentaries at the touch of a button.

However, the cost of accessing this digital haven varies significantly from country to country, reflecting economic disparities and market dynamics.

This graphic from Preyash Shah, via Visual Capitalist, maps Netflix price by country, using standard (basic) package subscription monthly rates from Netflix.com and converting to USD as of December 10, 2023.

What is the Netflix Price by Country?

Across 244 countries and territories that had Netflix available in December of 2023, Switzerland was the most expensive at $21.48 per month. That was $5 more than the second-most-expensive country on the list.

Countries Netflix Cost (USD)
 Afghanistan $7.99
 Åland Islands $12.92
 Albania $8.61
 Algeria $7.99
 American Samoa $15.49
 Andorra $14.00
 Angola $7.99
 Anguilla $12.99
 Antigua & Barbuda $12.99
 Argentina $3.57
 Armenia $10.76
 Aruba $12.99
 Australia $11.19
 Austria $14.00
 Azerbaijan $10.76
 Bahamas $12.99
 Bahrain $10.49
 Bangladesh $7.99
 Barbados $15.29
 Belarus $10.76
 Belgium $14.54
 Belize $5.99
 Benin $9.99
 Bermuda $12.99
 Bhutan $7.99
 Bolivia $5.99
 Bosnia & Herzegovina $8.61
 Botswana $7.99
 Bouvet Island $9.99
 Brazil $8.10
 British Indian Ocean Territory $7.99
 British Virgin Islands $12.99
 Brunei $11.99
 Bulgaria $8.61
 Burkina Faso $7.99
 Burundi $7.99
 Cambodia $7.99
 Cameroon $7.99
 Canada $12.13
 Cape Verde $7.99
 Caribbean Netherlands $12.99
 Cayman Islands $12.99
 Central African Republic $7.99
 Chad $7.99
 Chile $9.58
 Christmas Island $7.99
 Cocos (Keeling) Islands $11.19
 Colombia $6.75
 Comoros $7.99
 Republic of the Congo $7.99
 Democratic Republic of the Congo $7.99
 Cook Islands $11.32
 Costa Rica $12.99
 Côte d’Ivoire $7.99
 Croatia $8.61
 Cuba $5.99
 Curaçao $12.99
 Cyprus $11.84
 Czechia $11.42
 Denmark $16.46
 Djibouti $7.99
 Dominica $5.99
 Dominican Republic $7.99
 Ecuador $7.99
 Egypt $3.88
 El Salvador $7.99
 Equatorial Guinea $7.99
 Eritrea $7.99
 Estonia $10.76
 Eswatini $7.99
 Ethiopia $7.99
 Falkland Islands $12.99
 Faroe Islands $16.46
 Fiji $7.99
 Finland $12.92
 France $14.54
 French Guiana $13.46
 French Polynesia $11.99
 French Southern Territories $12.92
 Gabon $7.99
 Gambia $7.99
 Georgia $12.70
 Germany $14.00
 Ghana $7.99
 Gibraltar $14.00
 Greece $11.84
 Greenland $16.46
 Grenada $5.99
 Guadeloupe $13.46
 Guam $15.49
 Guatemala $7.99
 Guernsey $13.79
 Guinea $7.99
 Guinea-Bissau $7.99
 Guyana $5.99
 Haiti $5.99
 Heard & McDonald Islands $9.99
 Honduras $7.99
 Hong Kong $9.99
 Hungary $9.85
 Iceland $14.00
 India $5.98
 Indonesia $7.72
 Iran $9.99
 Iraq $7.99
 Ireland $16.15
 Isle of Man $13.79
 Israel $12.67
 Italy $14.00
 Jamaica $5.99
 Japan $10.28
 Jersey $13.79
 Jordan $7.99
 Kazakhstan $10.76
 Kenya $4.52
 Kiribati $7.99
 Kuwait $9.99
 Kyrgyzstan $10.76
 Laos $7.99
 Latvia $10.76
 Lebanon $7.99
 Lesotho $7.99
 Liberia $7.99
 Libya $7.99
 Liechtenstein $21.48
 Lithuania $10.76
 Luxembourg $14.54
 Macau $9.99
 Madagascar $7.99
 Malawi $7.99
 Malaysia $9.65
 Maldives $11.99
 Mali $7.99
 Malta $14.00
 Marshall Islands $15.49
 Martinique $13.46
 Mauritania $7.99
 Mauritius $7.99
 Mayotte $13.46
 Mexico $12.62
 Micronesia $15.49
 Moldova $10.76
 Monaco $14.54
 Mongolia $7.99
 Montenegro $8.61
 Montserrat $12.99
 Morocco $6.41
 Mozambique $7.99
 Myanmar (Burma) $7.99
 Namibia $7.99
 Nauru $11.99
 Nepal $7.99
 Netherlands $12.92
 New Caledonia $11.99
 New Zealand $11.32
 Nicaragua $5.99
 Niger $7.99
 Nigeria $4.48
 Niue $11.32
 Norfolk Island $11.19
 North Macedonia $8.61
 Northern Mariana Islands $15.49
 Norway $9.99
 Oman $10.49
 Pakistan $2.82
 Palau $15.49
 Palestine $7.99
 Panama $8.99
 Papua New Guinea $7.99
 Paraguay $5.99
 Peru $9.28
 Philippines $7.19
 Pitcairn Islands $7.99
 Poland $10.68
 Portugal $12.92
 Puerto Rico $15.49
 Qatar $9.99
 Réunion $12.49
 Romania $10.76
 Rwanda $7.99
 Samoa $7.99
 San Marino $14.00
 São Tomé & Príncipe $7.99
 Saudi Arabia $11.47
 Senegal $7.99
 Serbia $8.61
 Seychelles $7.99
 Sierra Leone $7.99
 Singapore $13.02
 Sint Maarten $12.99
 Slovakia $10.76
 Slovenia $8.61
 Solomon Islands $7.99
 Somalia $7.99
 South Africa $8.41
 South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands $9.99
 South Korea $10.25
 South Sudan $7.99
 Spain $14.00
 Sri Lanka $7.99
 St. Barthélemy $5.99
 St. Helena $7.99
 St. Kitts & Nevis $12.99
 St. Lucia $5.99
 St. Martin $5.99
 St. Pierre & Miquelon $14.54
 St. Vincent & Grenadines $5.99
 Sudan $7.99
 Suriname $5.99
 Svalbard & Jan Mayen $9.99
 Sweden $12.32
 Switzerland $21.48
 Taiwan $10.49
 Tajikistan $12.70
 Tanzania $7.99
 Thailand $9.90
 Timor-Leste $7.99
 Togo $7.99
 Tokelau $11.32
 Tonga $7.99
 Trinidad and Tobago $12.99
 Tunisia $7.99
 Türkiye $3.38
 Turkmenistan $10.76
 Turks & Caicos Islands $12.99
 Tuvalu $7.99
 U.S. Outlying Islands $9.99
 U.S. Virgin Islands $15.49
 Uganda $7.99
 Ukraine $8.07
 United Arab Emirates $10.62
 United Kingdom $13.79
 United States $15.49
 Uruguay $12.99
 Uzbekistan $10.76
 Vanuatu $7.99
 Vatican City $14.00
 Venezuela $5.99
 Vietnam $9.08
 Wallis & Futuna $7.99
 Western Sahara $9.99
 Yemen $7.99
 Zambia $7.99
 Zimbabwe $7.99

Other wealthy countries like DenmarkIreland, and the U.S. were in the top five most expensive countries for Netflix subscriptions, ranging from $16.46 to $15.49.

On the opposite side of the pendulum, Pakistan had the lowest Netflix subscription cost at $2.82 per month. It was followed by Türkiye at $3.38 and Argentina at $3.57.

Several factors influence the flux in pricing of Netflix subscriptions across different nations. These include:

  • Economic Factors: Netflix tailors its prices to align with the purchasing power of consumers in each market. Countries with higher average incomes typically bear higher subscription costs.
  • Market Competition: The presence of strong local streaming services can exert downward pressure on Netflix prices, forcing it to adjust its offerings to remain competitive.
  • Content Licensing: The cost of acquiring content rights varies across regions, influencing the overall pricing structure. Countries with higher licensing fees may experience higher subscription costs.
  • Currency Fluctuations: Currency exchange rates can impact Netflix’s pricing model, leading to occasional adjustments or fluctuations in subscription costs.

While affordability remains a primary concern for consumers, Netflix’s pricing strategy also aims to balance accessibility with content acquisition and profitability.

As the streaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to observe how Netflix adapts its pricing model to maintain its global dominance while catering to the diverse needs and preferences of its audience.

Streaming TV from Virgin Media has arrived – Infinite entertainment from one tiny box

Ireland’s Best Broadband provider, Virgin Media, has today announced the arrival of its new Streaming TV platform, offering infinite entertainment from one tiny box.

Streaming TV puts an ocean of entertainment at your fingertips and offers the best of both worlds, from your favourite traditional TV shows and channels to the most popular streaming apps (like Netflix, Prime Video, AppleTV+, Paramount+ and YouTube) and players (including the Virgin Media Player, Channel 4 Player and TG4 Player). And it does it all over your WiFi – making cable a thing of the past.

The fun-sized box fits in the palm of your hand and is completely portable, so you can move it anywhere around the home. All you need is our amazing WiFi to make every room in the home your own personal playground for world-class entertainment.

Streaming TV connects via Wi-Fi or Ethernet with live TV, recordings, continue watching, replay, on-demand, radio and pause live TV options available.

It’s now even easier to find the shows you love no matter where they live (be it live TV or your favourite apps) with one single search. It also comes with voice control, with 69% of Virgin Media customers now using voice search on a weekly basis. Add a show to your watchlist and get a notification when the latest episode drops into your app or is scheduled on TV. You can also access the streaming apps in 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos support.

Its award-winning design boasts extraordinarily strong sustainability credentials, thanks to extremely low power consumption, averaging 70% less power than a traditional set top box. It is also made from 35% recycled plastics with no single-use plastic being used in the packaging.

New customers can add Virgin Media Streaming TV with Loaded TV to their broadband package for as little as €15 per month for 12 months and €34 per month thereafter. Existing Broadband customers can add Streaming TV at any time and can add an extra Streaming TV box or upgrade their current box depending on their circumstances.

Paul Higgins, VP of Consumer of Virgin Media said, “We are delighted to finally bring this incredible and exciting new Virgin Media product to our customers. With its award-winning design, the TV streaming box is as unique as it is compact.

“We also understand how imperative it is to keep sustainability at the forefront of our business goals and objectives when we bring a new product onto the market. Thanks to its small size, its subsequent packaging is also relatively small and kept to a minimum.

“Virgin Media Streaming TV also comes packed with a number of user-centric features across live TV and streaming apps, giving each of our customers a bespoke experience so, no matter what your TV viewing style is, you can play it your way.”

You can learn more about the new Streaming TV at virginmedia.ie.

CRKD Announces the NEO S Wireless Collectible Controller for Nintendo Switch, PC, Mobile and Smart TV Gaming

CRKD, the new premium collectible gaming brand behind the award-winning Nitro™ Deck, announced today the NEO S™ Wireless Collectible Controller for Nintendo® Switch™, PC, Mobile and Smart TV’s.
Combining the streamlined aesthetics of retro gaming controllers with the advanced feature set found in modern day gamepads, the NEO S forges its own path, marrying form and function to create a highly collectible and deceptively powerful piece of hardware.
The NEO S is compatible with Nintendo Switch, yet thanks to advanced Bluetooth® technology, it’s just as at home when used with PC, mobile devices, and gaming via Smart TV’s.
As much a piece of art as a feature packed gaming controller, the NEO S launches in nine distinct designs, including three Special Editions designed by renowned game controller artist POPeART.
To complement the striking design, the NEO S is packed with high-end features. Like the Nitro Deck before it, the NEO S is equipped with state-of-the-art Hall Effect Thumbsticks, providing drift free, precision gaming, and adjustable actuation Hall Sensor Triggers allowing gamers to tailor trigger sensitivity to individual preference.
On the rear of the NEO S, a set of Remappable Back Buttons adds extra functionality and can be programmed for each game at the touch of a button. Don’t like the feel of the Thumbsticks, or feel them wearing out over time? Thanks to quick-swap system of the NEO S, gamers can quickly swap their Stick Tops for different designs and colors, adding an extra dimension of customization and durability.

Equipped with an internal gyroscope, the NEO S is fully motion control compatible when used with compatible Switch games, and powerful, fully adjustable vibration is also included, affording further immersions with compatible games. The NEO S includes a ‘No Deadzone’ mode which turns off the Thumbstick deadzones for more responsive gaming, and CRKD have even included Turbo Mode which instantly transforms any button on the NEO S, adding turbo functionality when gamers need it most.
Every design in the NEO S collection is fully compatible with the CRKD True Collection System App available on iOS™ and Android®, allowing owners to easily register their NEO S to their CRKD collection. Within the App’s interface, gamers can unveil essential details such as the product number and rarity rank. Furthermore, future updates will empower users to personalize their NEO S experience by adjusting settings, including button remapping and setting trigger actuation points, among other customization options.
Lee Guinchard, CEO of Embracer Freemode commented, “Our launch of the Nitro Deck was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the gaming community, and we’re excited to grow the brand further with the announcement of the NEO S. An ideal companion to the Nitro Deck, we believe the NEO S sits apart from the sea of mediocre controller designs available, presenting a highly collectible product which houses an array of advanced features. We look forward to introducing the NEO S later this spring and to the continued growth of the CRKD brand.”
The NEO S will be available in nine distinctive designs:
  • Retro Gold Edition
  • Classic Clear Edition
  • Atomic Red Edition
  • Emerald Green Edition
  • Orange Zest Edition
  • Electric Pink Edition
  • Splatter Edition by POPeART
  • Blossom Edition by POPeART
  • Junkyard Edition by POPeART
The NEO S Wireless Collectible Controller is available for pre-order today exclusively through CRKD.gg, and is expected to begin shipping to gamers from April 2024.