LATEST ARTICLES

Review: UAG FIBR ARMR iPhone 17 Pro Max Case

Andrew Edney
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Review: UAG FIBR ARMR iPhone 17 Pro Max Case

Here is our review of the UAG FIBR ARMR iPhone 17 Pro Max Case.

Precision crafted and purpose built, this premium case is defined by restraint, performance, and detail. Wrapped in Kevlar aramid fiber, it delivers exceptional strength and heat resistance in an impossibly slim form. Clean lines, chiseled corners, and subtle metallic accents create a refined silhouette.

Features

  • Kevlar Aramid Fibre Construction: Heat-resistant, cured aramid fibre wraps seamlessly around the case, offering exceptional durability, lightweight performance, and a distinctly refined tactile finish.
  • MagSafe Compatible: Works with MagSafe compatible wireless chargers and magnetic accessories. Supports Apple Pay.
  • Sculpted Slim Profile: Sleek, low-profile design with chiseled corners maintains the natural feel of your device while delivering everyday protection with no added bulk.
  • Refined Protective Build: Co-mold PC backplate and TPU bumper provide balanced impact protection, enhanced by a discreet no-slip grip for confident handling.
  • Metallic Camera & Detail Accents: Raised metallic camera bezel protects lenses from surface contact, complemented by understated metallic logo detailing for a subtle, premium finish.
  • Precision Button Design: Oversized buttons with enhanced click-feel deliver smooth, responsive control with a crisp, satisfying tactility.
  • Integrated Lanyard Anchor Points: For added security and portability (lanyard not included).
  • 15 ft. Drop Protection:  Independently tested to meet MIL-STD 810G-516.6 military drop protection standards, surviving drops up to 15 ft. (4.6 meters).

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

Placing the iPhone into the case (and removing it) is very simple and the iPhone feels very secure. There are curved edges on the case that don’t add much to the size of the iPhone. There is a raised metallic camera bezel which provides protection for the camera lenses from surface contact. The case is also light weight and so it doesn’t feel heavy or uncomfortable to hold for long periods.

This case meets military drop-test standards [MIL STD 810G 516.6] providing increased shock protection so you know you are getting a safe and secure case!

Using the buttons through the case feels natural and they work perfectly.

Wireless charging works perfectly with the case on so you won’t have any problems there.

If you want a really good case to protect your iPhone 17 Pro Max then look no further.

The UAG FIBR ARMR iPhone 17 Pro Max Case is available now priced around £75.53 and comes in either Kevlar Graphite/Bronze or Solar Flare/Charcoal.

You can learn more from the UAG website here.

A Closer Look at the Style 4 Ever Sweet Scent Pen Factory 

Andrew Edney
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A Closer Look at the Style 4 Ever Sweet Scent Pen Factory 

Here we take a closer look at the Style 4 Ever Sweet Scent Pen Factory. 

The Style 4 Ever Sweet Scent Pen Factory turns everyday stationery into something far more personal, giving kids the chance to design, decorate and build their own scented pens and highlighters from scratch.

Using the easy-to-use studio, they can fill each pen, add water, mix in decorative elements and customise every detail right down to the eraser. What starts as a simple pen quickly becomes something completely their own.

There’s plenty to experiment with. Bright beads, pom-poms, colourful decorations and stickers mean no two designs look the same. Add in scented elements and each pen doesn’t just look different, it feels different too.

It’s the kind of activity that pulls you in. Make one, then try another, then tweak it again. Before long, you’ve got a full set of stationery you actually want to use.

Everything is included to get started straight away, including multiple DIY pens and highlighters, interchangeable tips, decorative accessories and the tools to guide the process.

Whether it’s something to do on a rainy afternoon or a gift that lasts longer than five minutes, the Sweet Scent Pen Factory gives kids a way to create something they’ll take with them into everyday life.

Aimed at ages 6 and over, the Style 4 Ever Sweet Scent Pen Factory is available now priced around £17.99.

You can order now from Very here.

A Closer Look at Creamy Deco Baby Series 1

Andrew Edney
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A Closer Look at Creamy Deco Baby Series 1

Here we take a closer look at the Creamy Deco Baby Series 1.

The Creamy Deco Baby Series 1 Bag Clip range brings the perfect mix of collectability, creativity and on-the-go cuteness. There’s 12 unique babies to collect, including the rare Glitzy Baby.

Every unboxing is a surprise and every design is truly one of a kind!

Customise in 3 easy steps: stand your Baby on the adorable heart, frost with the colourful deco cream, then decorate with sprinkles and charms. the, attach your completed creation to bags, clothing or keys and take the cuteness with you everywhere!

Enjoy this range of Creamy Deco Baby bag clips for extra flair!

Collect all 12 baby figures.

Creamy Deco Collectible Custom Babies: A Creative, Screen-Free Activity Parents Can Feel Good About

If you’re looking for a fun, hands-on activity that encourages creativity away from screens, Creamy Deco Collectible Custom Babies offer a fresh take on collectible play that children can truly make their own.

Designed with creativity and self-expression in mind, this new range blends the excitement of surprise collectibles with an easy, guided crafting experience that parents can confidently introduce at home.

Porte-clé bébé Creamy Déco Canal Toys : King Jouet France, Porte-clés Canal Toys

A Simple, Creative Activity with Instant Engagement

Each Creamy Deco set includes everything children need to get started straight away: a custom baby figure, decorating tool, decoden cream, and a selection of sparkly decorative elements. There’s no preparation required, making it an easy, ready-to-go activity for quiet time, playdates, or weekends at home.

Children can personalise each figure using colourful creams and decorations, creating a design that reflects their own style and imagination.

Encouraging Creativity and Fine Motor Skills

Beyond the fun, Creamy Deco supports important developmental benefits. Decorating each collectible helps children build fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and confidence in their creative decisions — all while enjoying a relaxed, engaging activity.

The open-ended design means no two creations are ever the same, encouraging individuality and imaginative thinking.

A Screen-Free Activity with Lasting Play Value

In a world of digital entertainment, Creamy Deco offers a welcome alternative: a tactile, screen-free experience that keeps children engaged in hands-on play. Once completed, each creation can be turned into a wearable accessory using the included keychain, allowing kids to proudly display their designs on bags, clothing, or keys.

The Excitement of Collecting

With 12 unique designs to discover — including the rare Glitzy Baby — there’s an added layer of excitement in every unboxing. The combination of surprise, collectability, and customisation keeps children engaged over time, encouraging repeat play and collection-building.

A Thoughtful Gift for Creative Kids

Compact, engaging, and endlessly customisable, Creamy Deco Collectible Custom Babies offer a balanced mix of fun and developmental play. Ideal for birthdays, small gifts, or creative play time,  they provide children with a satisfying activity that feels both entertaining and rewarding — while giving parents peace of mind.

Customise your baby with cute decorations and charms

Includes keychain clip for easy attachment to bags, backpacks or luggage

Contents: 1x mystery Creamy Deco Baby Series 1 bag clip

Dimensions: 8L x 7W x 12.5H cm

Aimed at ages 6 and up and there are 12 to collect!

The Creamy Deco Baby Series 1 is available now priced around £6.99.

You can order it from Smyths Toys.

Review: PRAGMATA

Luke Hedingham
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Review: PRAGMATA

We’re not even halfway through 2026, yet Capcom seem to be on a mission to make as many high quality games they can this year, with PRAGMATA being the Japanese studios latest release.

If you thought Resident Evil Requiem and Monster Hunter Stories 3 were going to be the only excellent games that Capcom were going to develop this year, then you were mistakenly wrong.

Enter PRAGMATA, first announced in 2020, this sci-fi adventure follows the story of Hugh, who is part of a dispatch team sent to investigate the cradle after communication was cut with earth, shortly after entering the lunar station he is seperated from his team after an accident and is left badly injured, that is until Diana (an experimental pragmata), saves Hugh, as the two unexpected companions journey through the now lifeless cradle to reach a cargo shuttle that will take them to earth.

Hack and shoot, then hack and shoot again…

Combat is arguably the most important aspect when it comes to games that include it, whether it’s a survival horror or a hardcore RPG, it’s something that people tend to notice first so it can play a huge part on people’s overall opinions of said game. If the story is great, the characters are interesting, but the combat is boring and slow, then it can quickly turn from a 9/10 experience to a 7/10.

PRAGMATA not only had interesting characters, and a solid story, but it also had extremely fun and addictive combat, with a certain innovative mechanic playing such a huge part in the overall success of it.

Hacking truly made the combat so unique and refreshing, it’s not often that a game can come up with such an innovative combat mechanic that makes it noticeably stand out, but Capcom managed to achieve just that. It was essentially its own minigame, pressing buttons to go down specific paths to hit nodes which deal more damage, and trigger certain hacking nodes, all while avoiding attacks from enemies and making sure to not die.

Despite how that might sound like too much, it was fairly straight-forward, and made for much more interactive and tense battles, which I found to make even fights against normal enemies quite challenging, especially when facing a group of them.

Naturally, the weapons also played a huge part in the overall enjoyment of the combat, there were a wide variety of them to find in different locations, some of which were absolute essentials when exploring deeper parts of the cradle, especially when encountering bosses.

What I really liked about the combat, was that you had to pick a loadout consisting of weapons, mods, and hacking nodes whenever departing from the shelter to visit previously explored, or new locations. This allowed for many different synergies and fun combos to be explored, which made each outing feel fresh and unique, just another way PRAGMATA managed to make the game feel less repetitive.

Games once again show us just how beautiful and precious bonds can be really be

When I first booted up PRAGMATA, I expected a combat heavy sc-fi experience, which is exactly what it delivered. What I didn’t expect however, was a strong and beautiful bond forming between two characters that had only just met.

Hugh and Diana had a strong bond from the beginning of their first meeting despite their differences in literally everything, which made it that much more special.

We learn quite early on that Diana is a very curious android, asking Hugh what his childhood was like, what his parents are like, and what living on earth is like. This was where their relationship started to grow, from the two learning more about each other and what their lives have been like, they started to care and look out for one another, with each fight making them feel more like a well co-ordinated team.

What summed up their special bond in a nutshell, was when Diana, after eight attacked her with dead filament, revealed to Hugh that she was created by Dr. Neil Higgins as a project to find a cure for his dying daughter, Daisy. This led to Diana explaining to Hugh how she felt like she didn’t really have a purpose in life, and that she was a failure, unable to achieve the one thing she was specifically created for.

After learning about this, the ending of the game makes it a beautifully tragic one, with Hugh, after also being injured by dead filament, and with no cure, sacrificing himself for Diana’s sake, sending the shuttle earth-bound so she could finally go somewhere she showed so much excitement and curiosity for.

Despite her feeling like her life had no meaning, Hugh never gave up until his last breath to fulfill his goal of sending her somewhere where she could find a purpose, live a meaningful life, and even as an android, live like a human.

That’s what summed up, and perfectly concluded their beautiful father-and-daughter like relationship throughout the game.

Even if PRAGMATA doesn’t win game of the year, it will certainly hold the 2026 title for, “The ending so beautiful, it made adults cry.”

Review: FROGGY HATES SNOW

Daniel Waite
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Review: FROGGY HATES SNOW

FROGGY HATES SNOW is one of those games that is oddly addictive whilst being ridiculously simple to understand. Unlike other survival games, this one doesn’t have an array of complex stats to manage. Instead, it is warmth, health, and a little bit of luck that gets you through each short, sharp round.

This frosty exploration survival game was developed by Crying Brick and published by Digital Bandidos. It is a single-player game that uses an isometric viewpoint. Each of the unlockable levels has a slightly different theme, and this helps prevent repetition from kicking in. However, many of the core mechanics are the same, and this makes it addictive but casual.

FROGGY HATES SNOW focuses on the action.

I’m not sure why a frog is stuck in icy conditions, but it matters not. Instead, FROGGY HATES SNOW asks you to explore a cool and inhospitable environment while trying to find valuable resources. As you venture further from your warm hub, you begin to freeze. Therefore, you must plan your journey as you gather useful resources.

The snow covers every surface, and the frog must use their webbed hands to dig away at the obstacles they face. As the game progresses, you’ll unlock new tools to explore your surroundings. A spade, blower, flamethrower, and more can melt the ice. Furthermore, you can get help from wintry animals as you grab your crystals and improve your health, gathering speed, movement speed, storage capacity, and much more. Effectively, the more you explore, the better your frog becomes.

Multiple game modes.

FROGGY HATES SNOW offers 2 unique game modes. The main option includes boss battles and multiple waves of enemies. Here, you have a set amount of time to explore your surroundings, improve your stats, and survive the inevitable onslaught. Alternatively, you can find a mysterious exit and try to get out before you face the main boss battle. This can be a little stressful and will appeal to gamers who love an edge to their gaming.

Alternatively, you can explore each world in your own time. Here, you have no combat to worry about. Instead, you must keep the frog warm as you search for new bases, dig through the snow, and find each crystal. Furthermore, you’ll grab blue gems for permanent meta progression. If you do not stay warm, the frog will freeze, and your health will deplete. Consequently, you must move from hub to hub to keep warm and survive for as long as possible.

This is a nice way to force you into cleaning every stage and finding every secret. Additionally, it is much more relaxed than the combat experience. Therefore, I spent much of my time in this game mode.

FROGGY HATES SNOW looks great.

Indie gaming focuses heavily on gameplay over visual quality. This doesn’t bother me, but I like it when a developer looks at both elements as a priority. Thankfully, FROGGY HATES SNOW looks great. The soft colour palette, interesting surroundings, and intelligent level design make this a joy to play.

The audio blends calm tunes with some dramatic moments. Moreover, the use of ambient sounds, cruel sound effects, and chilling silence works perfectly with the icy setting. In short, it generates a daunting atmosphere that enhances the sense of doom.

Brilliant controls.

FROGGY HATES SNOW is easy to understand and simple to master. The inputs are basic, and moving across each level was a joy. Dodging attacks requires a little patience and practice, but this won’t hold back any competent gamers.

Replay value relies on a desire to unlock every ability and level. If this isn’t your thing, you will find it quite repetitive. However, if you like new builds, different equipment, and testing your skills, you’ll play it for hours.

FROGGY HATES SNOW is a great game.

If you love indie gaming, this is a must-play game. It is enjoyable, challenging, and easy to master. Furthermore, it looks and sounds great. Accordingly, I think it’s amazing, and I recommend buying it here! Can you stay warm and find every resource? Explore the world, grab every gem, and move from nest to nest.

Review: Demon Lord: Just a Block

Cody Monfredi
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Review: Demon Lord: Just a Block

Demon Lord: Just a Block is a roguelike tile-based game. Developed and published by YuWave, Demon Lord: Just a Block was released on April 29th, 2026. Players play as the Demon Lord, a skeletal being who was defeated by the Hero and was left as just a head. Gameplay is a mixture of both an action roguelite and tile-based strategy. The world, including enemies, only move when you do. This allows players to have complete control over how they play. Whether that be a slow and methodical strategy or a swift take down on the enemies with precise maneuvering, both are viable ways to play.

Demon Lord: Just a Block is easily a game I’d spend hours playing. I am a huge fan of action roguelikes such as Hades and [REDACTED]. Though my initial belief was that the tile-based gameplay would hinder my enjoyment, I was quickly proven wrong. There’s a reason for the game’s overwhelmingly positive reviews on steam. From the graphic’s whimsical charm, the unique builds and weapons, and amount of variation from one run to another, there are a ton of positives here. The few ‘negatives’ I do have are only wishes for small improvements. I was easily entranced by the game and fell into the mindset of “one more run” for hours. For me, this makes for some of the best roguelike/lite experiences. So, keep an eye open for Golden Skulls, because it’s time to discuss Demon Lord: Just a Block!

The Demon Lord has been Defeated

In Year 159 on the Sacred Calendar, the Hero has slain the Demon Lord and emerged victorious. The people cheered and celebrated. The evil beings in the world fought for the Lord’s chair, their position of power. However, unbeknownst to all, the Demon Lord clung to life. Reduced to a lone skeletal head and robbed of their past, the Demon Lord nevertheless hunts for revenge. The Lord hops off of the throne in an empty castle. This room serves as a central hub for between runs. Any time you’re defeated during a run, the game sends you back to the throne.

Along the way, the hub comes alive as players recruit allies and find new weapons. The Demon Lord’s loyal followers, such as Lulu and Murphy, help with the Lord’s adventure, providing the roguelite elements that make runs slightly easier each time. Lulu is responsible for the Demonic Pact. After completing a stage, a common reward are souls. Players can collect souls to spend in the Demonic Pact book to purchase passive effects. These effects include things such as increased HP, increased damage, and guaranteed occurrences in a run such as choosing an ability early on or unlocking various areas. After maxing all the upgrades on one level of the Demonic Pact, the next level will unlock, up to level 6. Thankfully, Lulu gifts a decent amount of souls to help you in the beginning.

The Demon Lord has 14 weapons at their disposal, but players need to unlock each one first. Murphy, the blacksmith, can provide powerful unique effects for each weapon during runs, depending on which one the Demon Lord chooses between runs. Some of my favorite weapons are Lightning Chidori and Shadow Dagger. The Lightning Chidori allows you to dash through enemies at lightning speed. Some of Murphy’s upgrades for this weapon is a massive increase the dash range as well as the damage based on the range. In short, it was a lot of fun clearing a long line of enemies with one fell swoop. The Shadow Dagger does increased damage with backstabs. Some of Murphy’s upgrades boost backstab damage and make flanking attacks count as well. These made me feel like an assassin, dodging away from attacks with heavy hitting blows to the enemies side.

Another between run aspect are stickers. Stickers are collectables that offer powerful effects. For example, the Murphy sticker (probably one of the first players will unlock) guarantees a blacksmith encounter at the start. Only one sticker can be taken during a run, with more unlocked in the Demonic Pact. These will play a bigger role later in the game as you progress. Outside of stickers, there are a few other things players can do in the castle. There’s a training dummy who threatens you. There’s your collection of Golden Skulls, rare and hidden skulls found during runs. There are also setting options, such as changing the difficulty (9 total levels) or changing the Lord’s and castle’s appearance if unlocked.

Overall, I have almost no complaints with the hub. It is a standard roguelite set up that works well and can be navigated with ease. One wish I have is with the weapons. Each time you are back in the castle, a new weapon will have a soul gain, increasing the amount of souls you receive by 50%. However, this seems tied to the stand the weapon sits on rather than the weapon itself. When you swap weapons, the game places the weapon on the new stand instead of returning it to its original spot. If you swap a few times, or walk away from the computer and come back, it can be easy to forget which has the soul gain benefit since the icon stays at the stand. Ideally, it would disappear, or when swapping, weapons would go back to their original stand instead of where you place them.

Another small wish I have is for more customization options. There are currently three options for both the Demon Lord and the castle, with one being in the purchasable supporter pack. I’d gladly take even basic color‑palette swaps if they were unlockable with souls.

The Demon Lord Seeks Revenge

At the end of the throne room’s corridor is a large portal. This is where the runs begin. Runs are of course procedurally generated so that no two run is exactly the same. Players start in Darkwing Forest and will need to make their way through each stage to proceed to the next area on the map. The world is a tile grid. As mentioned, the world, including enemies, only move when you do. Players set their own pace—fast or slow—but they still need to think strategically.

There are over 70 enemies and bosses that players will run into. Each enemy has their own attack. Most attacks can be anticipated. A small red arrow on each enemy shows in which direction they will attack and how soon. The enemy’s appearance hints at what it’s about to do, and those tells give you another way to read the fight. Over time, players will become familiar with the different enemies and will be able to navigate around their attacks with ease. For example, a common enemy early on is chompmaw. Chompmaws attack in a straight line and take three turns to perform their attack. However, they still hit me even when I was sure I’d moved back in time. I then realized that they can actually hit a few blocks instead of one. Since then, they’ve become easy to dodge to the side rather than back.

Boss battles are no different, just a bit more complex. There is a large variety of boss battles, each with their own unique mechanic. One of the early bosses players will run into is a spider queen. She can summon spiders, along with the four spider eggs that also summon them, and do a jumping attack. She was quite difficult to beat at first. The stage quickly became filled with spiders, all looking to serve me to the queen. It wasn’t until I become a bit more strategic that I was able to take her down. Honestly, the boss battles are some of the best I’ve seen in a long time. They can get difficult, especially in later stages, but it never felt frustrating. I understood why they bested me and gained experience for the next time. Nothing bogs a roguelite experience more than a frustrating boss fight.

Outside of weapons, there are a few combat tricks players can do. Players can dodge and parry. Both actions require players to ‘move twice in one turn’ by quickly moving out of or in the way of an enemies attack. At first, I thought these would be impossible to perform, but they’re actually quite easy. It is simply just knowing the enemy and quickly double tapping in the direction you want to go. These small combat effects give life to the tile-based combat. Players break free from rigid turn‑taking and use these actions to tilt combat toward their advantage. The system surprised me—I genuinely enjoyed every encounter.

Of course what also majorly improves the combat are the items and abilities. Items are one time use and provide effects, such as a temporary invincibility shield or the ability to fly on the current stage. Abilities provide more powerful effects and help make the build you are currently going for. There are over 10 types of builds, but players are not bound to one or another. In fact, there are over 200 abilities. Builds are simply just card types that have the same general effect. This includes different types of ally summoning, fire which spreads and deals damage over time, and shurikens that make your next attack stronger. Abilities can have different levels of rarity as well, with rarer ones giving stronger effects. Some abilities also change how the Demon Lord looks, which was a nice touch.

As is the case for most roguelites/likes, different builds might feel more viable compared to others. For example, stacking lightning based abilities with the Lightning Shidori just kind of makes sense and can easily sweep groups of enemies. However, I personally never felt that one build or another was not viable to use. I never got the feeling of “well these abilities suck” or “I died because of my build”. It is all about being strategic with the abilities you have and how you prefer to play.

Outside of all the combat based stuff, there are a few non-hostile encounters you can have during runs. Some of them will require coins, a disappearing currency you can collect during runs, in order to play. I will say, I did find some of the coin prices to be a bit steep, as I didn’t run into too many early on. It is probably better to save the coins at first so that you can spend a lot at later stages. Some encounters are with Murphy to upgrade your weapon or a statue allowing you to spend HP for extra abilities. After completing a stage, portals to the next stages appear with an icon showing what lies on the other side. There is strategy here of course in choosing one that works best for your current run.

Like with the hub, I don’t have a lot to complain about when it comes to the runs themselves. I love the run variety. A huge downside of roguelites/likes are when runs feel the same. That simply is not the case here. I felt like I was having a unique experience each time which certainly helped prolonged my desire to play. It was a lot of fun testing out different builds and seeing what works best for my playstyle. Even when I felt that it wasn’t for me, I still enjoyed using it. The balance of strategy and action in this game is beautifully done. Again, though my initial feeling was that I wasn’t going to enjoy the tile-based gameplay, that simply was not the case.

Demon Lord: Not Just a Block

Did I mention that Demon Lord: Just a Block was developed by a solo developer over the course of a year? I think the work that YuWave put into this game deserves some recognition. I know they aren’t the first, and certainly won’t be the last, solo developer game I’ve reviewed but the time, dedication and passion here feels very apparent. This game has tons of references to other games. Boss mechanics draw inspiration from classic games like Minesweeper and Snake. The enemies also borrow from familiar titles—the chompmaws echo Super Mario’s piranha plants, and the furious chickens channel the cuckoos from The Legend of Zelda. The whole experience feels crafted by a lifelong gamer who wanted to build something for players like themselves.

Overall, Demon Lord: Just a Block is certainly not just a block. It’s a fun roguelite action game with tile-based gameplay. It has all the best things I love in roguelites with pleasantly surprising strategic twist that goes beyond just running in and hacking away (though you certainly still can). I adored the whimsical art style. I enjoyed testing out different builds, abilities and weapons. Combat felt smooth with a blend of strategy and action. This is certainly one I plan on coming back to and is easily one of my favorites of the game’s I’ve reviewed. I happily recommend giving this one a consideration, especially for anyone with a Steam Deck.

Thank you for reading and now I’m just taking a nap…!

Review: Z10 100W GaN charger

Daniel Waite
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Review: Z10 100W GaN charger

The Z10 100W GaN charger from Acefast is a convenient way to improve your charging capabilities. This charger is like the Z9. That product has been available in the US and EU for a while, but now, UK users get an improved version. Accordingly, it proves that patience really does pay off. This fast-charging beast keeps your power-hungry devices happy. Moreover, the compact design ensures that it won’t look out of place on your desktop or bedside table.

The Z9 is a great charging option, and the Z10 100W GaN charger builds on that blueprint. With multiple charging points, a retractable USB-C cable, smart charging, and a whole host of safety features, this device is reassuringly safe to use. Furthermore, it looks fantastic, and I adore the impressive data screen.

What’s in the box of the Z10 100W GaN charger?

  • The packaging is strong and compact. It highlights the key selling points, and it is recyclable.
  • The Z10 100W GaN charger is surprisingly heavy. This isn’t a complaint, as I like its robust nature. The cube design looks nice, and the simple black colourway offers a professional edge.
  • A UK plug is provided.
  • Learn the basics with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

The Z10 100W GaN charger is remarkably complex, but it is easy to use. The user manual gives you an idea of what this charger can do, but it isn’t needed. Instead, you can set it up, plug in your kit, and leave it to do its thing. However, that doesn’t really explain why you should buy it. In short, it offers impressive fast charging across multiple devices.

The 3 USB-C ports offer up to 100W charging if no other device is connected. These numbers drop once multiple items are connected. I could highlight each combination, but I think the maximum output is the most important consideration. Alongside the USB-C options, you have the USB-A. This offers an impressive up to 18W intelligent charging.

If safety is your priority, you’ll adore the Z10 100W GaN charger. With high-voltage protection, surge protection, over-charging protection, and a whole host of other key elements, this device will keep your high-end tech safe. This is reassuring as I used it to charge my mobile phone, Steam Deck, and laptop.

Build quality.

If you want an exceptionally well-built charger, the Z10 100W GaN charger will not disappoint. Everything about this impressive device was great. The base has a rubberised connector to keep it attached to your desk or bedside table. This prevents accidents, and the cube design complements the rubberised base. Moreover, the balanced design ensures that it will not topple or fall unless mishandled.

I’ve handled some poor chargers in the past. However, this one is designed with the user in mind. Each of the ports is nicely positioned, and the retractable cable is robust and simple to use. Furthermore, the data screen looks clean, and the information is easy to read.

If you want a simple but effective design that will last the test of time, this charger is the one for you. The hardened plastic case, clean lines, and professional edge make this the perfect option for your workspace.

Is the Z10 100W GaN charger worth it?

Although we all love to be relaxed and watch the world go by, we cannot be without our electrical devices. Therefore, time is money, and the quicker we can get things charged, the better off we are. The Z10 100W GaN charger offers up to 100W of charging via USB-C. Furthermore, you can charge 4 devices at once.

On top of this, your safety is a priority. This device offers reassuring protection to keep your valuable tech safe. If this isn’t enough, it is simple to use, and it looks amazing. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here!

(More information on Acefast can be found here!)

The Z10 100W GaN charger from Acefast has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)

Review: Power Wash Simulator 2 – Adventure Time Special Pack

Daniel Waite
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Review: Power Wash Simulator 2 – Adventure Time Special Pack

Adventure Time Special Pack is the latest DLC for the much-loved PowerWash Simulator 2 franchise. This incredible game encourages gamers to clean an array of weird and wacky environments. Well, now, you get to interact with some odd substances as you explore the Land of Ooo.

FuturLab has developed and published this single-player, couch-cooperative, or online multiplayer simulation experience. It is a simple game that can be enjoyed without playing its predecessor. However, I recommend tackling the original and base games to get the most out of this DLC.

Adventure Time Special Pack tells its story through text messages.

I love a zany story, but many Sim fans do not require a plot. However, Adventure Time Special Pack does a great job by telling its story through text messages. The snippets of information are usually light-hearted, weird, and nonsensical. Yet, when combined with the strange surroundings, it works extremely well. Furthermore, the amusing undertones are enough to distract you from the mundane cleaning tasks.

This DLC offers 5 unique levels and approximately 3 to 4 hours of cleaning fun. This reduces considerably if you play this with others. Although this may not seem like a lot, I enjoyed every colourful moment. There are small stages that require an eye for detail, and a few outrageously large levels. The latter filled me with dread as they were almost never-ending.

Familiar mechanics.

Adventure Time Special Pack offers familiar mechanics for hardcore fans. However, newbies will enjoy the range of equipment on offer. There are floor scrubbers, tri-pronged cleaners, and an array of tips to pick from. Yet, it is the theme-specific gear that makes this DLC shine.

When you tackle the base game, you clean grime and mud from an array of unique surfaces. This DLC offers something a little unusual as an alternative. Players must clean mustard, relish, and ketchup from every surface. This was disgusting, but a great change of pace. Furthermore, lovers of Adventure Time will love the nod to the franchise.

You can interact with BMO and Gunter while visiting Pizza Sassy’s, Ice King’s Castle, and Finn & Jake’s Tree House (Exterior). Additionally, you’ll get to tackle the interior of the Tree House and clean some of the Candy Kingdom vehicles.

Adventure Time Special Pack looks amazing.

PowerWash Sim has a strong art style. However, Adventure Time Special Pack incorporates Cel-Shaded graphics for a unique appearance. This copies the iconic look of the cartoon, which was weird to look at. Yet, once I got over the strange design, I appreciated the vibrancy and the wacky layers of detail.

The audio is a blend of weird noises, whooshing water, and familiar ambient noises. Although the continual sound of running water is torturous, it quickly turns to white noise. Therefore, it is annoying but weirdly relaxing.

Simple controls.

I’ve played this franchise to death, and I can play this blindfolded and in my sleep. If you are new to things, you will not struggle to master the control system. The helpful UI makes it easy to navigate each core component. Moreover, if you play this on PC, you can use a mouse and keyboard or a gamepad.

Replay value is somewhat limited. Once you tackle every stage, you may wish to search for Easter Eggs or unlock every achievement. Once that is completed, there is little reason to return. Thankfully, Adventure Time Special Pack is inexpensive, so it’s still great value for money.

Adventure Time Special Pack is a wonderful addition to the franchise.

I adore this game, and Adventure Time Special Pack is a great addition to the franchise. It is weird, and the levels are great to explore. Furthermore, it is perfect if you play alone or with someone else. Accordingly, I adore it and recommend buying it here! Can you clean up this iconic cartoon DLC? Grab your machine, wash away the condiments, and make every stage sparkle.

Review: Vultures – Scavengers Of Death

Josh Blackburn
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Review: Vultures – Scavengers Of Death

Look, protagonists of Vultures – Scavengers of Death, I can’t help but feel like you’re a bit underdressed for the zombie apocalypse. Leopoldo goes in with little more than a vest and a cigarette. As for Amber, skin-tight bodysuits have their place, but their place is not the apocalypse. I’d go the full Mad Max route and start sellotaping saucepans to every available body part. If your enemy’s main technique is to bite you, then wear something that’ll break their teeth. Simple.

Then again, I can’t punch someone hard enough to smash them into a wall, so maybe I’m not suited for the apocalypse. Facetiousness aside though, Vultures is an entertaining foray into the world of zombie apocalypses. It’s not really doing anything new with the setting, but it puts enough twists on the usual formula to keep things fresh. While there are a few issues that keep it from its true potential, it’s great fun for anyone who thinks that the zombie apocalypse needs to slow down a bit.

Vultures - Scavengers Of Death

Occupant Malovolence

Vultures‘ plot involves the city of Salento Valley. A once up-and-coming metropolis, it was brought to its knees by a bio-hazard. The type of bio-hazard that makes people all bitey. In an effort to curb the flow of zombies, a covert ops team – the Vultures – are sent in to investigate. Their operatives are Leopoldo, a gruff fellow with a cigarette, and Amber, a lady with a killer grappling hook. Together they investigate the Eugenysis corporation to try and figure out if there’s a cure. Fairly standard stuff for the genre, but it sets the scene well enough.

The gameplay is what makes it stand out. While it might appear to be Resident Evil on the surface, Vultures is a lot more tactically minded. It’s turn-based, for one. When an enemy spots you, you start a turn with three movement points – self-explanatory – and three action points. AP is primarily used for attacking, using items and reloading. Combat is very much about positioning and using the right skills at the right time. Enemies aren’t too tough, but they can very quickly tear through your health, and won’t stop to let you heal up.

To help with that, each character has their own set of skills. Amber has a grappling hook that can push or pull enemies. Leopoldo can reposition enemies around him, which is significantly more useful than it sounds. Pushing an enemy into a wall will stun them, so a lot of combat was spent getting into the perfect position to stunlock as many enemies as possible. Sounds cheap, but it’s great fun and requires thinking two steps ahead. Combined with environmental damage, Vultures really rewards creative thinking.

Vultures - Scavengers Of Death

Quiet Mound

The byword of Vultures is resource preservation. Health can be recovered somewhat easily, but items are finite. So you need to think creatively to preserve your ammo. Well, some of the time anyway. The difficulty is a bit up and down, thanks to the ease with which you can stun most enemies. It can be a bit easy to blast through at times – especially when you find the stun baton. So I was regularly offloading big batches of ammo. Though the final boss ramps it up immensely, with a three phase fight that ends in multiple waves of enemies. Not quite got through that one yet.

In terms of the ‘Horror’ part of this survival horror, I’d say Vultures is a mixed bag. The gameplay helps it a lot, as you can only see a short way ahead of you. You never know what’s on the other side of a door, and stumbling into a heap of zombies can be harrowing. It creates a constant, uneasy atmosphere. I do think the designs are a bit stock, though. On purpose, perhaps, as a pastiche of survival horror generally. But the plot is played relatively straight, so seeing zombies in straight-jackets with knife arms elicited a bit of eye roll. I did like the little shrimp fellas that could dig into the ground, though.

I have a list of other, smaller, issues. For one, PS1-style graphics are becoming so common in indie horror circles that it almost feels like a detriment. Everything is so muddy and indistinct. Secondly, inventory management is painful. Inventory is understandably limited, but we can’t combine things if the total goes over the max we can carry. So my storage box was filled with ammo that I couldn’t take because it wouldn’t combine. Lastly, Vultures is currently very buggy. Key items will sometimes not spawn, and I keep walking through doors only to spawn on the wrong side of it. Reloads fix it, but it’s an awkward place to be in.

Vultures - Scavengers Of Death

Vultures – Tactical Terror

Still, I found Vultures very difficult to stop playing. I think it’s because every room feels like a mini-puzzle. Zombies will do a lot of damage when they swarm, so you need to isolate and pick them off. Bit tricky when you’re in the middle of an office breakroom. The horror elements feel a bit like they came from the era of House of the Dead at times, but a bit of classic horror can liven things up. I do wish the protagonists got a bit more focus though. Backstory is sprinkled in, but most of the dialogue is just coldly functional.

Still, the meat and potatoes of Vultures is good fun. The difficulty is a bit bananas, but as someone who’s not tremendously tactically minded, I’m kind of glad for that. Everything feels like a desperate struggle. Running out of movement points and knowing that you’re about to take a zombie backhand is enjoyably stressful. My laundry list of minor issues does stop it from truly shining, but Vultures is a fun, classic survival horror.

(Vultures – Scavengers of Death‘s Steam Page)

Review: Skautfold: Moonless Knight

Daniel Waite
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Review: Skautfold: Moonless Knight

Skautfold: Moonless Knight is an on-the-fence experience. I’m not sure if I love it or hate it. The combat system requires skill and almost perfect timing. Accordingly, it is a little frustrating. However, the story is fantastic. It offers rich lore, incredible characters, and a slow, dramatic pace. Although this may not be for everyone, I liked the old-school RPG edge.

This story-driven Metroidvania was published and developed by Red Art Games. It is a single-player title that takes around 15 hours to complete. I felt out of my depth for much of this time, but the captivating story and exceptional art style were enough to keep me hooked. This is the 4th instalment in the franchise, and the 1st that I have tackled. Therefore, my confusion and struggles could simply be down to my lack of familiarity.

Skautfold: Moonless Knight tells a fantastic tale.

Much of my confusion is linked to the Lovecraftian elements. I always find this to be hard to follow. Yet, lovers of this approach will feel right at home with the weirdness and the alternative ideas.

You play the role of Gray, a knight of the Angelic Empire of Britannia. You are sent on a diplomatic mission that almost immediately goes wrong. Rather than creating a peaceful outcome, you must interact with Lunatic cultists to save the Japanese Empire.

The story takes many twists and turns as you tackle an array of bosses in any order you wish. This lack of linear structure was great, but I’d have preferred more focus. Instead, I went from mission to mission, anyway I liked.

More of an RPG than a Metroidvania.

Skautfold: Moonless Knight claims of being a full-blown Metroidvania are slightly OTT. Although there are clear moments where new elements open secrets and pathways, it is distinctly a JRPG. If I were to be picky, I’d say the Metroidvania moments play second fiddle alongside some Souls-lite elements. This may make you frown, but the latter point refers to the challenging combat guard system.

The combat is the most divisive aspect of this title. The near-perfect block and guarding system can be extremely frustrating to master. Moreover, it feels pretty slow, and this makes the story and gameplay flow particularly stodgy. Yet, if you can master this tough mechanic and deal with the snail-like pace, you’ll enjoy some of the most rewarding combat experiences.

Working your way across each semi-open arena was great. The Oda Imperial Palace is a maze of interconnected corridors that are filled with danger and secrets. Furthermore, you can explore them however you wish. This was great, even if it did make things a little more confusing than necessary.

Skautfold: Moonless Knight looks incredible!

Despite my struggles, I adore the incredibly atmospheric world. The blend of Victorian Gothic elements with the Japanese architecture supports the sinister plot. Furthermore, the smooth 60 FPS action was appreciated when tackling this on my Xbox Series X. On top of this, the level design is amazing. The world is filled with secrets, and a keen eye rewards the hardest-working players.

Unlike other RPGs, the soundtrack isn’t that memorable. However, it does a great job of adding authenticity to the Asian feel. The gothic imagery is complemented by a chilling ambience that highlights the sense of isolation and doom. Finally, each boss battle is the culmination of drama and suspense as the audio ramps up the tempo and pressure.

Love it or hate it!

The controls are a divisive element of the action. Skautfold: Moonless Knight has a love it or hate it approach that pushes you over the edge. Once you master the controls, you’ll find the combat to be rewarding. However, until that happens, it could put you off before you get into the flow.

The developer has incorporated multiple endings, relics and tools to focus on stats and sub weapons, and primary weapon consideration. On top of this, you’ll enjoy NG+ for new bosses and Ninja Pugs if you love to find collectables. Therefore, there is plenty of replay value if you can stomach the tough combat learning curve.

Skautfold: Moonless Knight is challenging but fun.

I may sound like I’m moaning, but I’m not. I want to highlight the brutality of the game so you can make an informed decision. In no way is it as challenging as a generic Souls title, but it will push your buttons. Therefore, if you lack patience, this won’t be the game for you. Yet, if you have the time to work through things, there is a lot to enjoy. Accordingly, I think it is good, and I recommend buying it here! Can you bring peace to the empire? Choose your approach, explore the Palace, and save the day.

10 Ways Gamers and Movie Fans Can Save Money on Entertainment in 2026

Christopher John
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10 Ways Gamers and Movie Fans Can Save Money on Entertainment in 2026

Entertainment can get pricey, but savvy gamers and movie fans know how to stretch their pennies without sacrificing enjoyment. Whether you love the latest blockbuster or the newest video game, here are some practical tips for keeping costs down in 2026.

1. Leverage Latest Deals Discount Vouchers

If you’re paying full price for entertainment in 2026, you’re basically tipping the internet.

A simple habit: before you hit “subscribe” or “checkout,” check Latest Deals discount vouchers. These codes can shave money off streaming services, game subscriptions, online stores, and occasional hardware accessories—without changing what you buy, just what you pay.

How to make vouchers actually work (and not waste your time):

  • Check vouchers first, shop second. If you know you need a month of a streaming service or a new game, look for a voucher before you commit. Sometimes the discount is tied to specific plans or minimum spend.
  • Stack savings when possible. A voucher + a sale price is the sweet spot. You won’t always be able to combine offers, but when you can, it’s a quiet victory.
  • Target recurring costs. One-off game deals are nice, but vouchers that reduce monthly subscriptions (even temporarily) add up fast across a year.
  • Watch the fine print. New customers only? App-only redemption? Ends tonight? Vouchers are great, but they come with rules. Quick scan, then move on.
  • Use it for “nice-to-haves,” not just essentials. DLC, rental movies, premium upgrades—these are easiest to justify when they’re discounted.

Bottom line: vouchers are the low-effort, high-reward move. Thirty seconds of checking can save you enough to fund your next month of entertainment.

2. Bundle Your Subscriptions

If you’re paying for three or four services separately, you’re probably leaving money on the table. Bundles are the quiet cheat code of 2026 entertainment: one bill, multiple libraries, less pain.

Start by listing what you actually use in a normal month (not what you aspire to watch/play). Then look for bundles in two places:

  • Streaming bundles (e.g., a main video service paired with a second platform, kids content, sports, or music)
  • Gaming bundles (online multiplayer + a rotating game catalog + cloud saves, sometimes with perks like monthly games)

The trick is to bundle what you already pay for, not add “value” you won’t touch. Bundles look cheap because they include extras—but extras you never open are just better-looking waste.

As Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk (a discount code platform), puts it: “The best bundles are the ones that replace spending you already have—if you’re adding services you won’t use, it’s not a deal.”

A simple tactic: keep one primary bundle year-round, then cycle one add-on month-to-month when a show drops or a game expansion hits. You still get variety, but you’re not funding seven subscriptions out of habit.

3. Take Advantage of Free Trials

Free trials are the entertainment world’s “try before you buy,” and in 2026 there are more of them than most people bother to use properly. Streaming services, premium channels inside other apps, cloud gaming platforms, and even game subscription libraries regularly run 7-day, 14-day, or 30-day trials—sometimes longer during promotions.

Where Free Trials Show Up

You’ll commonly see trials offered by:

  • Streaming services
  • Premium channels inside other apps
  • Cloud gaming platforms
  • Game subscription libraries

How to Use Trials Without Accidental Spending

A few simple rules keep this from turning into unplanned charges:

  • Stack trials around what you actually want to watch/play.
    Don’t start a trial just because it exists. Start it when you have a free weekend, a game you’re ready to binge, or a show season you plan to finish.
  • Set a cancel reminder immediately.
    Add the end date to your calendar the moment you sign up. Even better: set the reminder for 24–48 hours beforerenewal, since some services process payments early.
  • Cancel right after signing up (when allowed).
    Many services let you cancel instantly while still keeping access until the trial ends. This removes the “oops, I forgot” risk completely.
  • Use one “trial email” system.
    Keep subscriptions tied to a single email address so you can quickly search “trial,” “renewal,” or “receipt” and see what’s active.

Treat Trials Like a Test

Free trials are most useful when you treat them like a quick evaluation—not a trap:

  • If you used it and loved it, keep it.
  • If you barely opened the app, cut it loose and move on.

Your budget might not feel one forgotten renewal right away, but over a year, the savings add up fast.

4. Share Accounts

If you’re paying full price for every streaming service and gaming subscription solo, you’re basically tipping the internet.

Most major platforms now support multiple profiles (and in some cases multiple simultaneous streams) under one plan. That means one subscription can cover a couple of people in the same household—or a small group, if the service allows it—without everyone paying separately.

A few practical ways to do it:

  • Streaming services: Create separate profiles so watchlists, recommendations, and “Continue Watching” don’t turn into a shared mess.
  • Game subscriptions: Many console ecosystems let you set a primary/home console, which can allow multiple users in the same home to access the subscription benefits.
  • Family plans: If a service offers an official family tier, use it. It’s usually cheaper than multiple individual plans and less likely to trigger restrictions.

Two rules so it doesn’t get annoying (or get shut down):

  1. Split costs upfront. Pick a simple payment method—one person pays, everyone else sends their share monthly.
  2. Stay within the service’s terms. Platforms have gotten stricter about out-of-household sharing. If the rules say “same household,” treat it like same household.

Done right, account sharing is one of the easiest “set it and forget it” ways to cut entertainment costs in 2026 without watching less or playing fewer games.

5. Buy Pre-owned Games and Movies

New releases are fun, but full price is a choice. Pre-owned is where the value lives—especially a few weeks after launch, when trade-ins start flooding shelves and prices dip fast.

Start with the obvious spots: used sections at local game shops, big retailers’ pre-owned listings, and reputable online marketplaces. Then go a little deeper: community gaming forums, local buy/sell groups, and “bundle” listings where someone’s offloading a whole stack at once. If you’re patient, you can routinely grab last year’s “must-play” titles for a fraction of what you’d pay digitally.

A few quick rules to keep it painless:

  • Check condition like you mean it. For discs, look for scratches; for cartridges, check the contacts; for steelbooks or collector cases, inspect dents and hinges.
  • Ask about codes. Used copies sometimes come with DLC or online-pass codes that are already redeemed. Buy it for the base game/movie, not the extras.
  • Compare against digital sales. Sometimes a deep digital discount beats used prices—especially for older titles—so do a quick price check before you pull the trigger.
  • Use trade-ins strategically. If you finish games quickly, buying used and trading in soon after can make your “net cost” surprisingly low. Not glamorous, but efficient.

Bonus: buying physical pre-owned means you can lend it, resell it, or trade it—options you don’t get with most digital purchases. If your goal is maximum entertainment per pound (or dollar), used physical media is still one of the easiest wins in 2026.

6. Look for Sales and Discounts

If you can wait even a little, you can usually pay way less. Entertainment pricing in 2026 is basically a game of chicken: early buyers pay full price, everyone else cashes in later.

Where the real discounts show up:

  • Seasonal sales: Black Friday/Cyber Monday, New Year promos, spring sales, mid-summer events, and back-to-school deals are still the biggest price drops for games, digital movies, and subscription bundles.
  • Publisher/storefront events: Big platform sales (console stores, PC storefronts, major streaming promo weeks) often stack discounts across entire franchises—perfect if you’re late to a series.
  • “Complete” and “deluxe” editions: A few months after launch, you’ll often see versions that bundle DLC or bonus content for less than the base game cost at release.
  • Price drops on rentals and digital purchases: Movies that were premium-priced shortly after theatrical runs tend to settle into normal pricing—then get discounted again during promo weeks.

How to save without turning it into a second job:

  • Wishlist everything. Most storefronts will email or notify you when something you want drops in price. Set it once and let the discounts come to you.
  • Buy on your schedule, not launch day. Unless you need to be in the first-week conversation, waiting 4–12 weeks can cut prices dramatically.
  • Compare across formats. Sometimes the cheapest option is a rental, sometimes a used physical copy, sometimes a discounted digital bundle. Check all three before you hit “buy.”

Bottom line: patience is the most underrated money-saving “hack.” Let the hype pass; take the discount.

7. Explore Free Entertainment Options

Free doesn’t mean “junk,” especially in 2026. If your entertainment budget is tight (or you’d just rather spend money on the right things), there’s a ton of legit, no-cost stuff worth digging into—you just need to know where to look.

Start with free streaming platforms. Services like Tubi, Pluto TV, Freevee, and Plex regularly rotate in movies and TV shows, including older blockbusters, cult classics, and surprisingly solid documentaries. You won’t always get the newest releases, but you’ll get plenty of “good enough to binge” without paying a monthly fee.

For gamers, the free layer is even better. Epic Games Store still drops free PC games, and Steam is full of free-to-playtitles that can eat up hundreds of hours if you find the right fit. On console, keep an eye on weekly free-to-play weekends, rotating “free” titles with subscriptions you might already have, and publisher giveaways tied to events or anniversaries.

Don’t skip the weird stuff either: indie demos, game jams, and open betas are basically free entertainment samples. Some are short, some are rough, and some are genuinely brilliant. If you like discovering something before it gets popular, this is the lane.

One practical rule: if it’s free but asks for sketchy downloads or permissions, bail. Stick to major storefronts and well-known streaming apps, and free entertainment becomes the easiest savings win on this list.

8. Opt for Ad-supported Versions

If you’re paying for ad-free on every service, you’re probably overspending. In 2026, most major streamers (and a few game-related platforms) have cheaper ad-supported tiers that get you the same library for a lot less.

Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk (a discount code platform), says: “If you’re paying full price for every subscription, you’re leaving easy savings on the table. Pick the plan you actually need, and only upgrade when you’ll genuinely use the extra features.”

Here’s how to use them without hating your life:

  • Put ads on your “background” services. The platform you half-watch while cooking? Make that the ad tier. Save ad-free for the stuff you actually sit down for.
  • Rotate, don’t stack. Keep one “premium” subscription at a time and run the rest on ad-supported (or cancel them). Swap monthly depending on what you’re watching/playing.
  • Use ad tiers for casual rewatching. Comfort shows, old movies, reality TV—ads are easier to tolerate when you’re not laser-focused.
  • Check the fine print on features. Some ad plans limit downloads, 4K, or simultaneous streams. If you travel a lot or share with family, those missing features might matter more than the price.
  • Time your upgrades. Going on a binge or a big release is dropping? Upgrade for one month, then drop back down.

Ads aren’t fun, but paying full price for every subscription is worse. Use ad-supported plans strategically, and you’ll barely notice—except in your bank balance.

9. Attend Local Libraries and Community Events

Your local library is basically a stealth entertainment subscription you already pay for (through taxes), and it’s wildly underused.

Start with the obvious: free loans. Most libraries lend out DVDs, Blu-rays, and sometimes even video games for consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch. The selection varies, but you’ll often find recent-ish releases, award winners, big franchises, and plenty of “I’d watch/play this once” titles—exactly the stuff you don’t need to buy.

Then use the digital perks. Many library systems partner with apps that let you borrow movies, TV, ebooks/audiobooks, and even comics straight to your phone, tablet, or smart TV. If you’re trying to cut back on streaming subscriptions in 2026, this can replace at least one service without feeling like you’re “going without.”

Don’t sleep on holds and interlibrary loans. If your branch doesn’t have what you want, place a hold. Some systems let you borrow from neighboring libraries too, which massively upgrades your catalog.

Community events are the other freebie. Libraries and community centers often host:

  • free movie nights (sometimes with licenses for newer titles)
  • gaming clubs and tournaments
  • board game cafés / drop-in sessions
  • anime nights, film clubs, creator talks

It’s entertainment plus a social thing, and it costs nothing other than showing up.

Quick money-saving move: Make a list of “one-and-done” stuff you were about to rent or buy this month. Check the library first. Even replacing two $5 rentals is a solid win.

10. Stay Updated with Latest Deals

Deals don’t usually last long, and in 2026 the best ones disappear fast—flash sales, “weekend only” discounts, surprise price drops, promo codes that work for 24 hours, that kind of thing. The easiest way to save consistently is to make sure the deals find you, not the other way around.

Here’s a simple setup that works without turning your life into a coupon-hunting hobby:

  • Follow deal hubs and voucher pages that regularly post entertainment discounts (streamers, game stores, hardware, cinema tickets).
  • Subscribe to a couple of newsletters (one gaming-focused, one TV/film-focused). Skim them once a week, unsubscribe from the noisy ones.
  • Turn on price alerts for specific items: wishlists on Steam/PlayStation/Xbox/eShop, browser alerts, or retailer trackers for controllers, headsets, SSDs, and gift cards.
  • Use store wishlists strategically: add games/movies you want and wait. The wishlist email is basically your “buy only when it’s actually cheap” filter.
  • Watch for stacked savings: a sale price + a voucher code + cashback (or discounted gift cards) can turn an “okay deal” into a great one.

The key is speed and timing. If you’re hearing about a discount three days late, you’re not saving money—you’re just reading about other people saving money. Stay plugged in, act when it’s worth it, and your entertainment budget stops getting bullied by full price.

Krafted Launches Edge on Kickstarter: The World’s First Slim Laptop Power Bank with a Replaceable Battery

Andrew Edney
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Krafted Launches Edge on Kickstarter: The World’s First Slim Laptop Power Bank with a Replaceable Battery

Krafted Edge merges ultra-slim engineering with a modular, replaceable battery system, delivering high-capacity laptop charging without the traditional ‘brick’ footprint. A 12mm-thin power bank that lives under your laptop, charges it four times over, and lets you replace only the cells when they wear out.

Krafted, the British consumer-tech brand today announced the Kickstarter launch of Edge. Engineered to disappear under your laptop, Edge is an ultra-slim power bank designed to deliver massive, sustainable power on the go.

Designed as a deliberate response to the e-waste pattern in consumer electronics, Edge tackles the issue of disposable tech. Most standard power banks are sealed units headed for landfill within three to five years, but Edge features a modular battery cassette. When the cells eventually wear out, the user simply replaces the internal cells, keeping the premium hardware in use.

Key Features & Specifications

  • Ultra-Slim Design: Measuring just 8.5 mm at its thinnest point (12.88 mm at its thickest) and 270 by 190 mm overall, Edge slides perfectly under a 13- to 16-inch laptop and slips easily into any standard sleeve or backpack pocket.
  • High Capacity & Fast Charging: The 20,000 mAh capacity (made of four 5,000 mAh cells) delivers four full laptop charges or five full phone charges from a single fill. It recharges completely in roughly two hours.
  • Powerful Output: Delivers up to 65W output via USB-C, which is fast enough to fully power a laptop on the go rather than just trickle-charging it.
  • Multi-Device Charging: Equipped with a second USB-C port and two USB-A ports to support phones, tablets, and accessories simultaneously.
  • Premium & Sustainable Materials: Constructed with an aluminium alloy 7075 body and an OBP-certified ocean-plastic top panel.
  • Smart Cable Integration: Includes a built-in braided fabric cable featuring a magnetic metal connector at one end and a plant-based faux-leather tag at the other.

Kickstarter Campaign & Pricing

The Edge power bank is officially available on Kickstarter

  • Early-Backer Price: £103 / $139
  • Standard Retail Price: £118 / $159

About Krafted

Krafted was founded by Charlie Rudge and Vinal Patel, two British entrepreneurs bringing together 25 years of combined experience in product design and consumer electronics. Krafted operates on the conviction that consumer technology must be more sustainable, durable, and thoughtfully designed than the disposable category leaders currently offer.

Edge joins Krafted’s existing premium product lineup, which includes Connex (a multi-charging hub) and Couch (a MagSafe-compatible wireless charger designed to hang over a sofa arm)

Netflix Has Gone All-In with Generative AI (Here’s How)

Christopher John
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Netflix Has Gone All-In with Generative AI (Here’s How)

Netflix continues to dominate the global streaming industry, maintaining its position as the world’s largest streaming platform. With hundreds of millions of subscribers worldwide, the company hosts some of the biggest entertainment franchises in modern television, including The Witcher, which has become one of the platform’s flagship productions. As competition within streaming intensifies, Netflix is investing heavily in artificial intelligence to strengthen personalization, production efficiency, and audience engagement.

The company has transformed how audiences consume entertainment by making on-demand streaming the preferred viewing experience for millions of households. Netflix’s global reach allows it to produce and distribute content across multiple languages, genres, and regions, helping it attract highly diverse audiences. This scale generates enormous amounts of user data, which Netflix uses to refine its algorithms and improve viewer retention. By integrating advanced AI technologies into nearly every aspect of the platform, Netflix continues to position itself as a leader in the future of digital entertainment and streaming innovation.

What Is Generative AI?

One of the biggest technological shifts influencing Netflix is generative AI. MongoDB outlines how generative AI refers to systems based on foundation models capable of performing tasks such as classification, sentence completion, image generation, voice generation, and the creation of synthetic data. These models are fine-tuned for specific tasks depending on the application. The effectiveness of generative AI depends heavily on the quality and diversity of training data, as well as the speed and efficiency of content generation.

Netflix has embraced generative AI across multiple areas of its business, from content recommendations and production workflows to visual effects and audience personalization. These technologies are helping the platform reshape how streaming entertainment is created and consumed.

Using Generative AI to Personalize Recommendations

One of the most visible ways Netflix uses generative AI is through its recommendation system. Netflix already relies heavily on machine learning to analyze viewing habits, genres, watch time, and user interactions. Generative AI is now helping the company make these systems even more sophisticated.

AI models can analyze behavioral patterns and generate highly personalized recommendations tailored to individual tastes. Instead of relying only on basic categories such as “action” or “comedy,” AI systems can identify deeper preferences related to pacing, emotional tone, storytelling style, and character dynamics.

This allows Netflix to surface content that aligns more closely with what viewers are most likely to enjoy. Personalized recommendations increase engagement by reducing the amount of time users spend searching for something to watch and increasing the likelihood of longer viewing sessions.

Generative AI in Content Production and Visual Effects

Netflix has also started integrating generative AI directly into production workflows. Netflix used generative AI in a show for the first time during the production of El Eternauta. The report explained that AI-generated visual effects and production tools were used to streamline parts of the creative process and improve efficiency.

Generative AI can assist production teams by creating preliminary visual concepts, generating digital environments, and supporting post-production workflows. These systems can reduce the time required for certain visual effects tasks while helping creative teams experiment with new ideas more quickly.

As streaming platforms continue producing large volumes of original content, AI-assisted production tools may become increasingly important for managing costs and accelerating development timelines.

Enhancing Search and Content Discovery

Netflix is using generative AI to improve how users search for and discover content on the platform. Traditional streaming searches rely heavily on exact keywords or predefined genres. Generative AI allows Netflix to create more conversational and context-aware search experiences.

Users may eventually be able to search using natural language prompts such as “dark fantasy shows with political intrigue” or “uplifting comedies similar to romantic dramas.” AI systems can interpret these requests semantically and generate highly relevant recommendations.

This capability improves content discovery while helping viewers navigate Netflix’s enormous library more efficiently. Advanced AI-driven discovery systems also support international content exposure by connecting users with shows and films outside their usual viewing patterns.

AI-Powered Viewer Engagement and Analytics

Generative AI is also helping Netflix better understand audience behavior and engagement trends. AI systems analyze vast amounts of viewing data, including watch completion rates, binge-watching patterns, pause frequency, and search activity.

GeeksforGeeks explains that Netflix uses artificial intelligence extensively to optimize user engagement, personalize experiences, and guide business decisions. AI systems help the platform identify viewing trends and predict what types of content are likely to perform well with different audiences.

These analytics tools allow Netflix to refine marketing strategies, adjust recommendation algorithms, and make more informed decisions about future productions. By understanding audience behavior more deeply, the platform can maintain higher engagement levels and improve subscriber retention.

Exploring AI-Generated Creativity and Interactive Experiences

Generative AI may also influence the future of storytelling and interactive entertainment on Netflix. AI systems are increasingly capable of generating dialogue, visual concepts, voice synthesis, and adaptive content experiences.

The BBC reported on growing industry discussions surrounding the use of AI within entertainment production, particularly as streaming companies explore new ways to integrate generative technologies into creative workflows. These developments highlight how AI could eventually influence script development, dubbing, localization, and personalized viewing experiences.

Netflix may use generative AI to create more dynamic and interactive content formats in the future. Personalized storytelling, adaptive narratives, and AI-generated supporting content could become part of next-generation streaming experiences.

As these technologies evolve, Netflix’s early investment in generative AI positions the company to remain at the forefront of digital entertainment innovation.

The Challenges of Generative AI in Streaming

Despite its advantages, generative AI also introduces major challenges for streaming platforms. Questions surrounding copyright, creative ownership, ethical AI use, data privacy, and employment within the entertainment industry continue to generate debate as companies expand their use of AI-driven systems.

Research published through IEEE highlights how generative AI raises concerns about transparency, bias in AI-generated outputs, intellectual property protection, and the potential misuse of synthetic media. These issues are especially important in streaming, where AI tools may influence scriptwriting, localization, recommendation systems, and visual content generation.

Many writers, actors, and creative professionals have expressed concerns about how AI-generated content could affect traditional creative roles and artistic originality. Streaming companies must balance innovation and operational efficiency with responsible AI governance and respect for creative contributions. Netflix’s growing investment in generative AI places the company at the center of these industry-wide discussions as entertainment platforms continue adapting to rapid technological change.

Conclusion: Netflix’s AI-Driven Entertainment Strategy

Netflix’s investment in generative AI reflects a broader transformation occurring across the entertainment industry. From personalized recommendations and intelligent search systems to AI-assisted production and audience analytics, generative AI is becoming deeply integrated into the platform’s operations.

The company’s willingness to experiment with AI-generated tools and workflows demonstrates how streaming platforms are evolving beyond traditional entertainment models. As generative AI continues to improve, Netflix is likely to expand its use of intelligent systems even further, shaping how content is produced, discovered, and experienced in the future.

By combining advanced AI infrastructure with one of the world’s largest streaming audiences, Netflix is positioning itself at the forefront of the next generation of digital entertainment.

Adult Games Nights: Why Chic Game Nights are Making a Strong Comeback in 2026

Christopher John
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Adult Games Nights: Why Chic Game Nights are Making a Strong Comeback in 2026

As we get older, getting together with pals tends to revolve around the same old set of activities: having a dinner party at home or heading out for a meal. That’s fine for infrequent meetups, because there’s always lots to catch up on, but if you’re in the habit of hanging out with the same group regularly, rehashing well-worn talking points becomes a drag.

Social fatigue is one of the reasons that adult games nights are on the rise right now. There are other factors at play as well, so let’s break down the things that motivate modern movers and shakers to go down this route.

Accessibility

Traditional game nights take a lot of planning, preparation, and legwork on the actual evening. Unless you’re happy to act as a gamesmaster and take charge of setting up the playing boards and explaining the rules, the effort won’t be worth the outcome.

Thankfully, digital gaming is the antidote, and playing party games in groups has never been simpler. Whether you want to try playing blackjack and other casino games, or you want to host a quiz with questions for proper grown-ups, everything can be managed virtually. Even Netflix now has built-in games for couch-based multiplayer, so the barrier to entry is virtually nonexistent.

Cost

Tied into the idea that chic game nights are on the up thanks to being accessible online and on smart devices, there’s the question of cost. While you’d have previously been paying through the nose for individual board games, gambling chips, and other necessary accessories, the shift to the digital sphere eliminates most of these expenses.

As mentioned, Netflix’s support for built-in games means you don’t even need a separate laptop or console to get the action going. A moderately modern smart TV and your existing streaming subscription will cover your needs.

Changing Habits

Game nights are a great idea for more than just entertainment, since they align with the growing movement toward healthy living and wellness, particularly efforts to reduce alcohol consumption or eliminate it altogether.

When drinking is at the center of a social event,  like a dinner party or an evening on the town, the pressure to partake can be palpable. On the other hand, if everyone has got together to play a game, then whether or not you sip a tipple or stick to soft drinks is immaterial. Plus, the social awkwardness of being the only person not drinking in a room of tipsy pals evaporates.

Creating Connections

One important but overlooked reason for chic game nights making a comeback this year is that they’re actually a great way for us to bond with the people in our social circles. Teaming up with friends feels great, and it’s also a way to break down barriers and get to know casual acquaintances better.

In short, adult games nights are a trend that should stick around, and they’re simpler to organize and execute than ever. So if you’re considering hosting your own, nothing is stopping you from making it a success.

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