Author: Thomas Hawthorne

The UK toy industry is enjoying its strongest sales growth in a decade, with traditional games, squishy toys and building sets driving demand ahead of the crucial Christmas shopping season. Despite continued pressure on household budgets, families are spending more on toys, particularly affordable products that encourage creative and interactive play. UK Toy Sales Rise 17% Ahead of Christmas New figures from market research company Circana show that the number of toys sold in the UK up to October increased by 17% compared with the same period last year. The rise represents the strongest growth recorded by the sector in…

A series of cyberattacks targeting supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe has exposed growing security risks associated with internet-connected technology. The incidents have raised concerns about the vulnerability of everyday smart appliances and essential services, including healthcare, energy and water supplies. European Supermarkets Hit by Refrigeration Cyberattacks Hackers reportedly gained control of refrigeration systems at hundreds of European supermarkets in two separate incidents within a month, causing fires and food losses worth millions of euros. On 11 and 12 October 2026, attackers manipulated refrigeration equipment at approximately 700 French stores, raising temperatures to as high as 50°C. A second wave of…

Amazon has announced a new range of autonomous security robots under its Ring brand, introducing an indoor surveillance drone and a mobile patrol robot designed to monitor homes and commercial premises. The launch marks a significant expansion of Ring’s security technology, although questions remain over privacy, data protection and the use of artificial intelligence. Ring Robotics Introduces Autonomous Security Technology Amazon unveiled Ring Robotics on 10 November 2026, presenting two products: the Ring Drone Cam for residential properties and the Ring Rover Cam for businesses. Both devices are designed to move independently through indoor spaces, following programmed patrol routes and…

Nintendo has released a new overview trailer for its upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, offering a closer look at the reimagined version of the acclaimed 1998 adventure. The game is scheduled to launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on 5 November 2026, with pre-orders now available. The latest trailer follows the first gameplay footage unveiled in September and provides a broader introduction to the remake’s world, exploration, combat and puzzle-solving mechanics. Nintendo Reveals New Ocarina of Time Remake Trailer Originally released for the Nintendo 64 in 1998, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remains…

Google has released its first Google Home update for October 2026, introducing improvements to Gemini for Home, redesigned smart device controls and fixes for cameras and connected accessories. The latest changes aim to make Google’s AI-powered home assistant more conversational, responsive and reliable when managing everyday household tasks. The update follows a series of improvements introduced in September, when Google addressed voice recognition in noisy environments, response times and multilingual interactions. Gemini for Home Now Responds More Naturally to Conversations One of the most noticeable changes concerns how Gemini for Home handles the end of a conversation. Previously, the assistant…

Passengers travelling through Leeds Bradford Airport could face significant disruption as hundreds of airport employees prepare for a three-day strike over pay. The industrial action, scheduled for 16–18 October 2026, could affect check-in services, security operations and passenger assistance during a busy period for holidaymakers. Trade union Unite has warned that the walkout could effectively shut down the West Yorkshire airport, although management insists contingency arrangements will allow flights to operate with minimal disruption. Leeds Bradford Airport Strike Scheduled for 16–18 October Workers across several essential airport departments are planning to take industrial action from Friday 16 October until Sunday…

Google is rolling out its AI Mode information monitoring feature to users globally, widening access to a tool that can repeatedly check the web for updates on topics people want to follow. The capability, previously available to paying subscribers, allows users to tell Google Search what information to watch and receive updates as new details emerge. Search will also suggest monitoring tasks while people are carrying out relevant searches, potentially making the feature useful for frequently changing topics such as local events, restaurant openings, product availability and price reductions. Google AI Mode Can Monitor Changing Information Robby Stein, Google’s vice-president…

Coffee Stain Studios is taking Satisfactory beneath the surface for its first expansion, Core Values, introducing an underground environment where restricted space, poor visibility and a new approach to logistics are expected to reshape the factory-building experience. Rather than simply recreating the original game inside caves, the developers say the expansion will introduce new machinery and resource-moving systems designed specifically for its subterranean setting. Core Values Introduces a Different Approach to Factory Logistics In the original Satisfactory, players establish increasingly complex production networks across the open landscape of an alien planet. Conveyor belts are a fundamental part of moving materials…

Thousands of newly built homes in England could become increasingly difficult or prohibitively expensive to insure as flood risks intensify, according to Amanda Blanc, chief executive of Aviva, who has urged planners and housebuilders to reconsider development in vulnerable areas. Blanc, who leads Britain’s biggest insurer, said the threat from flooding was “absolutely increasing” and warned that continuing to construct properties in areas known to be at risk could create serious problems for homeowners, mortgage lenders and insurers. Aviva Chief Raises Concerns Over Building in Flood-Risk Areas Speaking to the BBC, Blanc highlighted the potential impact of extreme weather following…

Samsung is reportedly preparing to accelerate its plans for the next generation of foldable smartphones following Apple’s entry into the category with the iPhone Duo, as competition in the premium mobile market begins to intensify. Online reports citing unnamed industry sources suggest Samsung could bring forward the launch of the Galaxy Z TriFold2, while also preparing additional experimental form factors as it seeks to strengthen its position in foldable devices. Samsung Reportedly Accelerates Galaxy Z TriFold2 Plans The Galaxy Z TriFold2 is expected to succeed Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold, expanding the company’s efforts beyond conventional book-style and clamshell foldable smartphones.…