Tag: UK Launch

  • Samsung Galaxy XR Launches in UK with Multiple Deals

    Samsung Galaxy XR Launches in UK with Multiple Deals

    Key Takeaway

    – Galaxy XR headset launches in the UK for £1,699, with pre-orders open now and shipping from July 8.
    – Launch promotions include 30% off accessories (case or controllers) until Sept 30, and £100 off via PayPal code PAYPALXR until July 7.
    – Specs: Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, dual Micro-OLED displays (3,552 x 3,840 per eye), 16GB RAM, 256GB storage, with a separate tethered battery offering ~2 hours of use.

    Samsung launched the Galaxy XR headset in October last year, but it has been exclusive to South Korea and the US until now. The device is finally coming to the UK, and Samsung has already started taking pre-orders. If you want to pick one, it will cost you £1,699, with shipping expected to start on July 8. For this release, Samsung is only offering a single Silver Shadow color option. The official Galaxy XR Travel Case and Galaxy XR Controllers are also available, priced at £249 each.

    Promotions and Discounts Available

    Samsung is running several launch promotions on its UK online store to help reduce the cost. Buying either the travel case or the controllers alongside the headset knocks 30% off the price of that accessory, an offer that runs until September 30. Additionally, you can save £100 on your Galaxy XR purchase if you pay through PayPal using the code PAYPALXR until July 7, or get 10% off the headset if you purchase it alongside any Galaxy smartphone. Buying the headset will also net you 10% off on a Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Buds.

    Core Specifications and Hardware

    Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, the headset runs the new Android XR operating system. It has dual Micro-OLED displays, delivering 3,552 x 3,840 resolution to each eye, along with a suite of cameras for full-color passthrough, hand tracking, and eye tracking. You also get 16GB RAM and 256GB storage. In order to lighten the load on your head, the battery is instead packed inside a separate tethered pack which will provide about two hours of general use per charge.

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  • Acer 18-Inch Gaming Laptop: 240Hz Display & RTX 5080

    Acer 18-Inch Gaming Laptop: 240Hz Display & RTX 5080

    Key Takeaway

    – New Predator Helios Neo 16S offers over double the battery life of the previous model, featuring Intel’s Panther Lake platform.
    – Predator Helios Neo 18 gets a more powerful RTX 5080 option, with the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus delivering ~7% better CPU performance than the 275HX.
    – The 18-inch model uses a 2,560 x 1,600 IPS panel (240 Hz, 100% DCI-P3, 500 nits) instead of a Mini LED option.
    – RTX 5080 laptop GPU in the Neo 18 tops out at 115 W (140 W with Dynamic Boost).
    – UK pricing: £3,499 for the new 18-inch SKU with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB storage—£200 more than a comparable 2025 model.

    A new spin on the Predator Helios Neo 16S

    So Acer just begun selling a fresh version of their Predator Helios Neo 16S over in Europe. This new model, it apparantly boasts over twice the battery life compared to the review unit they put out recently. This lateast release is one of them 16-inch gaming laptops that are now featuring Intel’s new Panther Lake platform. At the same exact time, the company has also finally released a more powerful version of theyre Predator Helios Neo 18, so theres options for people who want a bigger screen.

    Recap of the Helios Neo 18 updates

    To get you up to speed, Acer updated the Helios Neo 18 back in March using Intel’s Arrow Lake HX Plus processors. Just so you dont get it mixed up with the Helios 18 that we reviewed in July 2025, this Helios Neo 18 model was previously offered with up to Intel’s Core Ultra 9 275HX processor. Acer claimed that the PHN18-I71 variants would become available in June, but interestingly models featuring the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and the GeForce RTX 5060 actually reached Europe back in May already.

    Now theres a RTX 5080 option

    Now, Acer has complemented these existing models with a new alternative that uses the GeForce RTX 5080. Based on our own benchmarking, the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus should provide the Predator Helios Neo 18 with about 7% more CPU performance than what youd get from the Core Ultra 9 275HX. As far as we can currently tell, the GeForce RTX 5080 laptop GPU continues to top out at 115 W, or it can reach 140 W whenever Dynamic Boost is activated on the system.

    Display specs and final pricing details

    Also, Acer has included a 2,560 x 1,600-pixel IPS panel, choosing to not go with the Mini LED option that was in its 2025 edition this time around. For reference here, this new panel combines a fast 240 Hz refresh rate with quick 3 ms response times, full 100% DCI-P3 colour space coverage, and it also offers 500 nits of peak brightness for good visibility. Acer charges £3,499 for its new 18-inch gaming laptop which comes with 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB of storage, making it £200 more expensive than what an equivalent 2025 SKU would cost you.


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  • Xiaomi Award-Winning Wireless Soundbar & Subwoofer Launches in New Country

    Xiaomi Award-Winning Wireless Soundbar & Subwoofer Launches in New Country

    Key Takeaway

    – Xiaomi Soundbar Pro 2.1 ch launches in the UK at £159.
    – Features wireless subwoofer and 300W total power output.
    – Supports Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X with six audio modes.
    – Includes HDMI ARC, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity.
    – Lacks Wi-Fi streaming, unlike competitors such as the Sonos Ray.

    Soundbar Pro 2.1 ch Hits UK Market

    Earlier today, we reported that Xiaomi had started selling the Soundbar Pro 2.0 ch in the UK. For context, the two-channel soundbar arrived around 24 hours after the cheaper Desktop Speaker Pro Set debuted in the same country. Now, the Soundbar Pro 2.1 ch has joinned the party in the UK too.

    Global Release Timeline Details

    To recap, Xiaomi confirmed in June 2025 that the Soundbar Pro 2.1 ch would eventually recieve a global release. However it took until November that year for the device to arrive in the Eurozone. Suprisingly, it has taken over six months for the Soundbar Pro 2.1 ch to launch in the UK.

    Pricing, Power and Dimensions

    Nonetheless it is now available to purchase for £159 with its wireless soundbar and subwoofer delivering up to 300 w of power from three drivers. For reference, the soundbar and subwoofer elements measure 840 x 87 x 60 mm and 363 x 249 x 249 mm, respectively. Also, the pair support six audio modes, Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual: X.

    Connection Options and Missing Features

    Moreover, Xiaomi includes coaxial and optical audio connections, as well as an ARC-compatible HDMI port. Bluetooth connectivity and NFC pairing are supported too. Wi-Fi streaming is unavailable though, unlike on more expensive soundbars like the Sonos Ray (curr. $219 on Amazon). Please see Xiaomi’s website for more details about its latest 2.1-channel system.


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  • Xiaomi Launches Wireless Soundbar with Dolby Audio in New Market

    Xiaomi Launches Wireless Soundbar with Dolby Audio in New Market

    Key Takeaway

    – Xiaomi launched the Soundbar Pro 2.0 ch in the UK at £89.90.
    – It is a cheaper alternative to the Soundbar Pro 2.1 ch.
    – The soundbar delivers 84W power, Dolby Audio, and a 50-20 kHz frequency response.
    – It won a Red Dot Design Award and includes HDMI, Bluetooth, and NFC pairing.
    – At £89.90, it is significantly cheaper than Sonos’ entry-level soundbar.

    New Xiaomi Soundbar Hits the UK Market

    Xiaomi has released another soundbar in the UK. To recap, the company began selling the Desktop Speaker Pro Set yesterday in the same market. Priced at £79.99, the Desktop Speaker Pro Set combines a wireless soundbar and a wireless subwoofer in one package.

    Soundbar Pro 2.0 ch Arrives as a Cheaper Option

    Now, it has started offering the Soundbar Pro 2.0 ch in the UK too. For context, the Soundbar Pro 2.0 ch reached parts of the Eurozone in November 2025. Also, the soundbar is a cheaper alternative to the Soundbar Pro 2.1 ch, which has just debuted in the UK as well.

    Award-Winning Design and Audio Specs

    A Red Dot Design Award winner, the Soundbar Pro 2.0 ch features a pair of mid-bass drivers and tweeters within a housing that measures 840 x 77 x 60 mm. Reportedly, these drivers deliver up to 84 W of power with a 50-20 kHz frequency response while mastering Dolby Audio. Moreover, the soundbar offers coaxial, optical audio, HDMI and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as NFC pairing.

    Pricing Compared to Competitors

    The Soundbar Pro 2.0 ch retails for £89.90 in the UK, which makes it much cheaper than even Sonos’ entry-level soundbar. Incidentally, this pricing makes the Soundbar Pro 2.1 ch about half the price of the Soundbar Pro 2.1 ch, too. Please see the Xiaomi website for more details.

    • Wireless soundbar with subwoofer combo: £79.99
    • Soundbar Pro 2.0 ch: £89.90
    • Power output: up to 84 W
    • Frequency response: 50-20 kHz
    • Dolby Audio support
    • Dimensions: 840 x 77 x 60 mm
    • Connectivity: coaxial, optical audio, HDMI, Bluetooth, NFC
    • Red Dot Design Award winner


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  • Xiaomi Launches New Soundbar & Wireless Subwoofer in UK

    Xiaomi Launches New Soundbar & Wireless Subwoofer in UK

    Key Takeaway

    – Xiaomi Desktop Speaker Pro Set now available in the UK for £78.99
    – Priced over twice as much as the standard Desktop Speaker (£34.99)
    – Wireless soundbar includes 3.5mm aux, microphone, and USB-C inputs
    – Comes with a wireless subwoofer communicating via 2.4 GHz
    – Features customizable RGB lighting and upgraded physical controls

    Xiaomi’s Desktop Speaker Pro finally arrives in the UK market

    The Desktop Speaker Pro set from Xiaomi has now landed in a fresh territory. To recap, the Desktop Speaker Pro originally surfaced on Xiaomi’s global site back in January, before it made its debut in Singapore near the end of March. Also, just over a month has flown by since this wireless soundbar with its subwoofer became purchasable in various European nations like Belgium, Germany, and Spain.

    Pricing details compared to the older model

    Now, Xiaomi has commenced selling the Desktop Speaker Pro Set within the UK. For some background, the firm priced the older Desktop Speaker at just £34.99, which is actually as affordable as their Sound Outdoor speaker (currently $52.99 on Amazon). In stark contrast, the Desktop Speaker Pro Set will set you back £78.99 – thats more than double the cost of its non-Pro sibling. Even so, the two speakers differ across multiple specification areas.

    Key port and control upgrades on the soundbar

    For one thing, Xiaomi’s wireless soundbar component includes more connectivity options than the ordinary Desktop Speaker. The older model only comes with a single 3.5 mm aux input connection, but the Desktop Speaker Pro soundbar supplies you with 3.5 mm aux in, a 3.5 mm microphone port and USB Type-C inputs aswell. Furthermore, the newer version incorporates physically redesigned controls that ought to be easier and more intuitive to operate compared to those found on the basic Desktop Speaker.

    Subwoofer features and RGB customisation

    Moreover, this wireless soundbar arrives bundled together with a dedicated subwoofer. Not only do these two components communicate over a 2.4 GHz wireless frequency, they also provide customisable RGB lighting elements for personalisation. To provide some technical specifics, Xiaomi packs dual 10 W racetrack drivers plus two passive radiators inside the soundbar, along with a 96 mm low-throw driver housed in its subwoofer. For any further technical data, please consult Xiaomi’s official website regarding the Desktop Speaker Pro Set.


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  • Casio Vintage Metal Strap Watches Now Available Outside Japan

    Casio Vintage Metal Strap Watches Now Available Outside Japan

    Key Takeaway

    – Three Casio A140WE variants (A140WE-2A, A140WE-8A, A140WEG-9A) launched in UK with £75 RRP each.
    – Retro digital design: chrome-plated resin case, multi-row stainless steel strap, sunray dial, 39.0 x 36.8 x 10.4 mm, 60 g.
    – Features: 12/24h display, date, day, electro-luminescent backlight, 1/100s stopwatch, daily alarm, hourly signals, automatic calendar; water resistant; ~7-year battery life (CR2016).

    Casio Vintage A140WE Series in the UK

    these three digital timepieces were officially unveiled at the start of May 2026 in Japan and now they are available in the UK through Casio’s online store. the news is that the A140WE-2A, A140WE-8A, and A140WEG-9A are listed with a consistent price tag of £75, mirroring the chrome-plated resin casing paired with a multi-row stainless steel strap. the details stay crisp, the price stays fixed, and the style stays retro, which is exactly what fans might expect from Casio today.

    Overview of Model Variants and Build

    each version in this trio presents a retro vibe with a sunray dial embracing the digital display, but the colorways differ to suit various tastes. the A140WE-2A sports a dark blue dial with silver tone strap, the A140WE-8A follows suit with a dark gray dial, also paired with silver tone strap, and the A140WEG-9A goes gold on both dial and bracelet for a bolder look. all models share the same compact measurements at 39.0 x 36.8 x 10.4 mm and collectively weigh around 60 g, which gives them a light yet sturdy feel on the wrist.

    Functional Features Packed In Each Watch

    the A140WE watches can display time in 12 or 24 hour formats and will show the date and day of the week as part of the digital readout. illumination comes via an electro-luminescent backlight that makes the display legible in low light, while the calendar updates automatically. practical on-watch tools include a 1/100th second stopwatch, a daily alarm, and hourly time signals, all designed for everyday convenience. these models are water resistant for typical daily use and are estimated to run about seven years on a CR2016 battery, offering low-maintenance operation for the long haul.


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  • New Casio CRW-001G-9 Digital Ring Watch Launching in the UK

    New Casio CRW-001G-9 Digital Ring Watch Launching in the UK

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Casio CRW-001G-9 ring watch is priced at £119, higher than its predecessor, the CRW-001-1, which was £105.
    2. The watch is marked as “Available soon” with a possible UK release date of October 17th.
    3. Buyers can only purchase one watch per Casio ID member, and it is not eligible for voucher discounts.
    4. The watch features a seven-segment LCD, a 1/100th second stopwatch, dual time zone display, and an LED backlight.
    5. It has a gold ion-plated casing, dimensions of 25.2 x 19.5 x 6.2 mm, and is adjustable to fit sizes 19 and 16 with included spacers.

    The Casio CRW-001G-9 ring watch is now available on the brand’s online shop in the UK. It’s priced at £119, making it pricier than the previous model, the CRW-001-1, which was sold for £105 in this region. The item is marked as “Available soon,” and potential buyers are encouraged to register to get an email alert upon its launch. There’s a chance that this ring watch might hit the UK market on October 17th, matching the release date in Japan. It’s important to mention that shoppers can only buy one watch per Casio ID member, and it’s not eligible for any voucher discounts.

    Features of the Watch

    The CRW-001G-9 is a compact digital timepiece with a seven-segment LCD that displays the time in either a 12-hour or 24-hour format. Users can effortlessly toggle between two chosen time zones, and it also features a 1/100th second stopwatch along with daily or hourly signals. Additionally, the watch includes an LED backlight, making it easier to see the display in dim conditions. The functions can be managed using three buttons located on the ring. It’s also water-resistant, with an SR621SW battery expected to last for about two years.

    Design Specifications

    With a gold ion-plated casing, the CRW-001G-9 has dimensions of 25.2 x 19.5 x 6.2 mm (approximately 1.0 x 0.8 x 0.2 inches). It is designed in size 22, but can be adjusted to fit sizes 19 and 16 thanks to included spacers. However, it remains uncertain if or when this new gold Casio ring watch will be made available in other countries, such as the US.

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  • Casio Launches First Mechanical Watches in the UK Market

    Casio Launches First Mechanical Watches in the UK Market

    Key Takeaways

    1. Casio is launching its first line of mechanical watches, the Edifice EFK-100D series, in the UK, with pre-orders currently open in Japan.
    2. The EFK-100D-2A and EFK-100D-3A models are priced at £269, while the EFK-100CD-1A is priced at £289, with availability starting in August 2025.
    3. The design of the watches is inspired by high-performance sports cars and features a mechanical movement with a 40-hour power reserve.
    4. The watches are resistant to magnetic fields, water-resistant up to 100 meters, and come with a stainless steel case and band.
    5. Additional models EFK-100D-7A and EFK-100XPB-1A will not be available in the UK market.

    Casio has shared information regarding the UK introduction of the Edifice EFK-100D series, which marks its first line of mechanical watches. These watches are currently open for pre-order in Japan and are anticipated to hit the US market shortly.

    Pricing and Availability

    According to listings on Casio’s UK website, the EFK-100D-2A (featuring a blue dial) and the EFK-100D-3A (with a green dial) will retail for £269. The EFK-100CD-1A, boasting a black forged carbon dial, comes with a slightly higher price tag of £289. The product details suggest that these watches will be available for purchase starting in August 2025, and potential buyers are encouraged to subscribe to email alerts for the official launch.

    Design and Features

    The Casio Edifice EFK-100D and EFK-100CD timepieces are said to draw inspiration from “high-performance” sports cars. Each watch is equipped with a mechanical movement that offers a 40-hour power reserve and an average daily rate fluctuation of -35 to +45 seconds. The intricate movement can be admired through the transparent screw lock case back. These analog timepieces feature three hands, including a hacking function for the seconds hand, along with a date display.

    Specifications

    Casio’s mechanical Edifice watches are designed to be resistant to magnetic fields and can withstand water pressure up to 100 meters. They come with a stainless steel case and band. The dimensions of the watches are 43.5 x 39 x 12.5 mm (approximately 1.7 x 1.5 x 0.5 inches), and they weigh around 148 g (or 5.2 oz). However, the two additional models in this series, the EFK100D-7A (with a white dial) and the EFK-100XPB-1A (featuring a carbon casing and black resin band), will not be made available in the UK market.

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    Casio Launches First Mechanical Watches in the UK Market

     

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  • Xiaomi 20000mAh Power Bank Now Available in the UK

    Xiaomi 20000mAh Power Bank Now Available in the UK

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi Power Bank 20000mAh is available in the UK for £17.99, which is £5 cheaper than the previous model.
    2. It features three charging options: a built-in USB-C cable, a USB-C port, and a USB-A port, with a maximum output of 22.5W.
    3. The power bank can charge a Xiaomi 15 to about 27% and an iPhone 16 Pro to 56% in just 30 minutes.
    4. It contains two 10,000mAh lithium-ion battery cells, allowing for multiple full charges of devices.
    5. The product will launch in India on July 7th, marketed as the Compact Power Bank with Built-in-Cable 20000, available in Dark Grey and Ivory Green.

    The Xiaomi Power Bank 20000mAh is now on sale in the UK. This gadget was first seen on the brand’s global site in April 2025, following its release in China towards the end of 2024.

    Pricing Details

    You can purchase the Xiaomi Power Bank 20000mAh from the Xiaomi online store in the UK for £17.99. This price is £5 less than the previous 33W Power Bank 20000mAh (Integrated Cable), which is listed at £22.99. In this market, buyers can select from Light Gray and Dark Gray versions of the product.

    Charging Capabilities

    The Xiaomi Power Bank 20000mAh allows you to charge three devices at the same time using its built-in USB-C cable, a USB-C port, and a USB-A port. With a maximum output of 22.5W, it can recharge a Xiaomi 15 to about 27% in just half an hour, or an iPhone 16 Pro to 56% within the same period. The two 10,000mAh lithium-ion battery cells can fully charge a Xiaomi 15 two and a half times or an iPhone 16 Pro four times. It also comes with safety features like temperature protection, short-circuit protection, and overvoltage protection. Its dimensions are 128 x 73 x 32 mm (approximately 5.0 x 2.9 x 1.3 inches) and it weighs 342 g (around 12.1 oz).

    Launch in India

    Additionally, this product is set to launch on July 7th in India, where it will be marketed as the Compact Power Bank with Built-in-Cable 20000. In India, customers can choose between Dark Grey and Ivory Green colors.

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    Xiaomi 20000mAh Power Bank Now Available in the UKXiaomi 20000mAh Power Bank Now Available in the UK
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  • Casio A130WE-7A Watch Launching Soon in the UK

    Casio A130WE-7A Watch Launching Soon in the UK

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Casio A130WE-7AEF will soon be available in the UK, joining the A130WE-1AEF and A130WE-9AEF models.
    2. This watch features a stylish vintage design with a silver “retro-futuristic” look, resin and chrome casing, and a stainless steel strap.
    3. The A130WE-7A offers multiple functions, including a stopwatch, countdown timer, five daily alarms, and an automatic calendar until 2099.
    4. The watch has a battery life of approximately three years on a CR1616 battery.
    5. The retail price for the A130WE-7A is set at £59.90, matching the price of the A130WE-1AEF, with no confirmed launch date yet.

    The Casio A130WE-7AEF is expected to hit the UK market soon. This watch will be added to the lineup along with the A130WE-1AEF and A130WE-9AEF, which were introduced in that market around mid-March 2025. Commonly referred to as the A130WE-7A, this model is already on sale in several other European nations and in the United States.

    Stylish Vintage Design

    The A130WE-7A is a throwback timepiece featuring a striking all silver “retro-futuristic” aesthetic. It sports a casing and bezel made from resin and chrome plating, paired with a stainless steel strap. Users can pick from a selection of four different cities within a total of 31 time zones globally, along with the option to use either 12-hour or 24-hour time formats. The watch includes a variety of digital display options, incorporating functions like a 1/100-second stopwatch, a countdown timer, and five daily alarms. Additionally, it offers an amber LED backlight and an automatic calendar that extends to the year 2099. The watch is designed to last approximately three years on a CR1616 battery.

    Pricing and Availability

    Currently, the A130WE-7A is marked as “Coming Soon” on Casio’s UK website, yet a specific launch date remains unannounced. The listing does indicate that this watch will retail for £59.90, which is the same price point as the Casio A130WE-1AEF. It’s still uncertain if or when the A130WEGG-1A, another model from this new Vintage series, will also be released in the UK.

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