JBL Grip Bluetooth Speaker: Review

Another Bluetooth speaker comes hurtling into the marketplace and with it, the idea that really, there's no need for JBL to keep releasing speakers for their own range, given how great some of the prior releases are.

And yet, the Grip, with its smaller size and portability, makes a definitive case for having its place in the line-up, thanks to superlative sound from a small speaker.

Weirdly, JBL's decided that aesthetically, what this speaker needs on the back is a neon strip that lights up - sure, it sets it apart from the rest of the range, but it also feels like a strange design element to bring to the table. Yet it comes to the fore, once the app is used and you can set up a light show for it to play along with whatever tunes it is that you're choosing to play.

In terms of sound, this small stack delivers in spade. Bassy tunes such as Darude's SandStorm and Pulp's Common People all handled the jandal, delivering crisp audio that didn't distort at higher levels meant the Grip has more than enough to ensure the sound quality is consistent for whatever's being done.

Designed to stand tall, the Grip certainly doesn't stand out in any kind of line-up and has one of those simple designs that means it looks like it's just going to blend in anywhere as opposed to being the centre of attention. At just 385 grams, it's more than portable and feeling like the kind of material you get on a bike handlebar, the speaker is definitely solid enough to hold its own if you want to rough house it and take out on bikes, on walks or just leave it going.

Simple connection via Bluetooth means that you're up and running before you're even aware you need to connect and moving the device around hasn't caused any loss of latency either. Battery life is around 12 hours, which is a little on the short side, and the fact it's a USB-C connector without one out of the box does feel somewhat of a cheap move from JBL.

The thing to remember with the Grip is that it's a device that's all about just picking up and going, and while it does provide an excellent quality of sound for its size, it's not a device that's aimed at giving you an audiophile's experience of listening.

A rough'n'tumble speaker is no bad thing and in truth, the JBL Grip does its absolute best for its size - thanks to its sound output and solid design, it feels durable enough to last for a long time and never drops off any of what its ambitions should be - to blast out tunes and ensure that you've always got it to hand for when you're on the move.

What's New on Netflix in March 2026

HEARTBREAK HIGH: SEASON 3

Premieres on March 25, 2026 

A prank gone wrong. An old flame returns. Amerie's final year at Hartley High gets off to a chaotic start, and she can't seem to catch a break.

Starring: Ayesha Madon, James Majoos, Chloé Hayden, Asher Yasbincek, Thomas Weatherall, Will McDonald, Gemma Chua-Tran, Bryn Chapman Parish, Sherry-Lee Watson, Brodie Townsend, Rachel House, Chika Ikogwe, Kartanya Maynard, Aki Munroe, Ioane Sa’ula, Ben Turland, William McKenna

ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US

Available on Netflix March 1, 2026 

Award-winning documentarian Morgan Spurlock turns his camera on boy band phenomenon One Direction in this combination concert film and backstage pass.

VLADIMIR

Premieres on March 5, 2026 

When an English professor becomes obsessed with a handsome new colleague, her already complicated marriage and career are thrown into total chaos.

Starring: Rachel Weisz, Leo Woodall, Jessica Henwick, John Slattery

WAR MACHINE

Premieres on March 6, 2026 

During the final stage of US Army Ranger selection, an elite team’s training exercise turns into a fight for survival against an unimaginable threat.

Starring: Alan Ritchson, Dennis Quaid, Stephan James, Jai Courtney, Esai Morales, Blake Richardson, Keiynan Lonsdale, Daniel Webber

SESAME STREET: VOLUME 2

Premieres on March 9, 2026 

Magical dragons, flying bikes and more! The fun-loving Sesame Street friends grow caring hearts and curious minds while embracing their imaginations.

ONE PIECE: SEASON 2

Premieres on March 10, 2026 

Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates set sail for the legendary Grand Line, encountering wondrous new lands and fresh dangers in their quest for treasure.

Starring: Iñaki Godoy, Emily Rudd, Mackenyu, Jacob Romero Gibson, Taz Skylar

LOUIS THEROUX: INSIDE THE MANOSPHERE

Premieres on March 11, 2026 

With rare access and no holds barred, the acclaimed documentarian investigates a growing ultra-masculine network and its controversial influencers.

PEAKY BLINDERS: THE IMMORTAL MAN

Premieres on March 20, 2026 

By order of the Peaky Blinders: Tommy Shelby shall return to face his most explosive reckoning yet in this epic tale from Steven Knight.

Starring: Cillian Murphy, Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth, Sophie Rundle, Ned Dennehy, Packy Lee, Ian Peck, Jay Lycurgo, Barry Keoghan, Stephen Graham

BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG

Live on Netflix March 21, 2026 @ 10:00PM AEDT

BTS is back. The iconic group returns to the stage live to perform legendary hits and unveil brand-new tracks.

BTS: THE RETURN

Premieres on March 27, 2026 

They're back! BTS gathers in LA to record their album "Arirang" in this documentary offering unprecedented access to the band as they enter a new era.

Netflix Series

Blue Therapy 4/3/2026 GB Seven couples move out of their comfort zones and onto the therapist's couch to try and work through their relationship issues in this reality series.

Vladimir 5/3/2026 US When an English professor becomes obsessed with a handsome new colleague, her already complicated marriage and career are thrown into total chaos.

Boyfriend on Demand 6/3/2026 KR Seo Mi-rae is worn out by work. Love? It's the last thing on her mind. But a virtual dating service sparks feelings — and maybe a real shot at romance.

Hello Bachchon 6/3/2026 IN A physics teacher sets out to make quality education accessible to all students through online learning. Based on a true story.

BEASTARS FINAL SEASON Part2 7/3/2026 JP While Louis and Haru navigate their new lives at university, Legoshi catches the eye of a BEASTAR who needs his help in capturing a heinous criminal.

Still Shining 7/3/2026 KR After falling in love as teens, two young adults drift apart — only to reunite 10 years later and confront their heartbreak, growth and new challenges.

ONE PIECE: Season 2 10/3/2026 US Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates set sail for the legendary Grand Line, encountering wondrous new lands and fresh dangers in their quest for treasure.

Age of Attraction 11/3/2026 US Age is thrown out the window when singles search for their soulmates in this dating series. Is love truly ageless, or will the years come between them?

Virgin River: Season 7 12/3/2026 US Newly married, Mel and Jack pursue their dream of adopting a baby, while old loves smolder and new threats challenge Virgin River.

Love is Blind: Sweden: Season 3 12/3/2026 SE New season. New singles. New drama. As they date and get engaged sight unseen, which of these Swedish couples will discover that love is truly blind?

Love Is Blind: The Reunion 12/3/2026 US Don't miss the bombshell reunion of Love is Blind: Season 10! It's time to set the stories straight and reveal the biggest shockers of all. Watch together when Love is Blind: The Reunion premieres on Wednesday, March 11 at 9PM ET / 6PM PT, only on Netflix.

That Night 13/3/2026 ES When a young, naïve single mother gets embroiled in a murder during an island getaway, her sisters rush to help. But they only make things worse.

Fatal Seduction: Season 3 13/3/2026 ZA Three years after rebuilding her once-unraveled life, Nandi is torn between her newfound peace and the enticing temptation to throw it all away for love.

Season 2: Furies: Resistance 18/3/2026 FR As a new order rules Paris' criminal underworld, the Furies embark on separate paths to organize a resistance and eliminate a shadowy leader.

Radioactive Emergency 18/3/2026 BR Physicists and doctors race to contain a massive radiological disaster and save thousands of lives in this drama series inspired by true events.

Eva Lasting: Season 4 18/3/2026 CO In 1980, Camilo, Eva and their friends are thriving. As political unrest grows, their insecurities, differences and goals shift, changing them forever.

Tyler Perry's Beauty in Black Season 2 Part 2 19/3/2026 US As she takes the reins of the Bellarie empire, Kimmie confronts a vicious family power struggle, where betrayal, greed and danger lurk at every turn.

STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: 1st STAGE 19/3/2026 JP America, 1890. Johnny Joestar, a genius jockey now paralyzed from the waist down, chases after outlaw Gyro Zeppeli in a tough cross-continent horse race.

Inside: Season 3 23/3/2026 GB No synopsis available.

Ready or Not: Texas 24/3/2026 KR No plans, just vibes. When two best friends and their crew set off for Texas on an entirely unscripted adventure, there's no telling what's coming next.

Heartbreak High: Season 3 25/3/2026 AU A prank gone wrong. An old flame returns. Amerie's final year at Hartley High gets off to a chaotic start, and she can't seem to catch a break.

Jo Nesbo's Detective Hole 26/3/2026 NO Brilliant detective Harry Hole hunts killers while fighting his own demons in this thrilling new series based on Jo Nesbø's bestselling crime novels.

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen 26/3/2026 US Something Very Bad is Going to Happen is an atmospheric horror show following a bride and groom in the week leading up to their ill-fated wedding. That’s not a spoiler — just read the title.

Netflix Film

Street Flow 3 4/3/2026 FR Grieving and facing the consequences of their crimes, the Traoré brothers get one last chance to forge a new path in the final chapter of this trilogy.

Strangers in the Park 6/3/2026 AR A former communist militant and a "live and let live" man form an unlikely friendship on a park bench, sharing their life stories with humor and heart.

War Machine 6/3/2026 US During the final stage of US Army Ranger selection, an elite team’s training exercise turns into a fight for survival against an unimaginable threat.

Made in Korea 12/3/2026 IN A woman from a small town in Tamil Nadu moves to South Korea — a place she always dreamed of — but struggles to find her footing in a foreign land.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man 20/3/2026 GB By order of the Peaky Blinders: Tommy Shelby shall return to face his most explosive reckoning yet in this epic tale from Steven Knight.

The Red Line 26/3/2026 TH Three women fall prey to a ruthless phone scam. To settle the score, they'll take on the criminal network that stole their money — and their dignity.

53 Sundays 27/3/2026 ES Three siblings must meet to discuss the future of their father, but the reunion soon turns into chaotic bickering that brings old grudges to light.

Netflix Comedy Special

Bruce Bruce: I Ain’t Playin’ 3/3/2026 US Caught between old-school roots and new-school norms, Bruce Bruce riffs on family, fame and the real definition of foreplay in his debut Netflix special.

Derrick Stroup: Nostalgic 10/3/2026 US Derrick Stroup throws it back to the '90s with a nostalgic set about childhood rituals, pre-internet life and why cigarettes should make a comeback.

Mark Normand: None Too Pleased 17/3/2026 US Mark Normand turns married life, fatherhood and hot-button topics into rapid-fire punchlines in this witty free-for-all where nothing is off limits.

Jeff Ross: Take A Banana For The Ride 24/3/2026 US Making his Broadway debut, legendary comic Jeff Ross turns the spotlight on himself in a one-man show that is as heartfelt as it is hilarious.

Aaron Chen: Funny Garden 31/3/2026 US No synopsis available.

Netflix Documentary

A Friend, a Murderer 5/3/2026 DK In this documentary, three friends recount their memories of a series of crimes that changed their lives and rocked their quiet corner of rural Denmark.

The Dinosaurs 6/3/2026 US From the first dinosaurs to the last, this epic documentary series examines their 165 million years on Earth and the forces that shaped their evolution.

The TikTok Killer 6/3/2026 ES This documentary follows a family's quest for the truth when a 42-year-old woman disappears in Spain — after meeting a popular TikToker while traveling.

Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere 11/3/2026 GB With rare access and no holds barred, the acclaimed documentarian investigates a growing ultra-masculine network and its controversial influencers.

The Plastic Detox 16/3/2026 US This eye-opening documentary follows six couples with unexplained infertility as they lower their exposure to plastics in hopes it helps them conceive.

The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel 20/3/2026 US Explore the formative years of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the profound influence of original bandmate Hillel Slovak in this documentary.

Homicide: New York: Season 2 25/3/2026 US In the city that never sleeps, an elite team of NYPD detectives relive the homicide investigations that defined their careers. These are their stories.

The Prosecutor 26/3/2026 MX This documentary series follows the first Prosecutor for the Investigation of Feminicide Crimes in Mexico and her fight to obtain justice for victims of gender-based violence

BTS: THE RETURN 27/3/2026 US They're back! BTS gathers in LA to record their album "Arirang" in this documentary offering unprecedented access to the band as they enter a new era.

Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom 31/3/2026 US This documentary traces the life of Lamar Odom, from his rise to NBA fame and marriage to Khloé Kardashian to his near-fatal overdose in a Nevada brothel.

Netflix Live Events

WWE Elimination Chamber: 2026 1/3/2026 US WWE Superstars compete against heated rivals with title opportunities on the line inside the barbaric Elimination Chamber.

The Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA 2/3/2026 US The biggest names in film and television light up the stage for the 32nd annual Actors Awards live from Los Angeles. (Live event in English.)

BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG 21/3/2026 US BTS is back. The iconic group returns to the stage live to perform legendary hits and unveil brand-new tracks.

MLB Opening Night: Yankees vs. Giants 26/3/2026 US The 2026 Major League Baseball season leads off on Netflix, with Yankees vs. Giants in a star-studded opener live at Oracle Park in San Francisco.

Netflix Kids & Family

Gabby's Dollhouse: Season 13 2/3/2026 US Time to get tiny! Join Gabby and pals as they fly through Fairylandia for the first time, throw a paw-some tea party, learn about opposites and more!

Sesame Street: Volume 2 9/3/2026 US Magical dragons, flying bikes and more! The fun-loving Sesame Street friends grow caring hearts and curious minds while embracing their imaginations.

Unicorn Academy: Secrets Revealed: Chapter 1 19/3/2026 CA Follow Sophia and her friends as they embark on a glimmering quest to unlock Unicorn Island's mysteries and banish Grimoria — and Ravenzella — for good!

Pokémon Horizons: Season 3—Rising Hope Part 2 20/3/2026 JP Back on the Brave Olivine, Liko, Roy and friends continue their adventure as Rising Volt Tacklers — all while trying to stop the Explorers.

Licensed Highlights

Beast of War 1/3/2026 AU Stranded at sea, a crew of World War II soldiers must rely on their training – and each other – to survive a bloodthirsty shark circling their life raft.

One Direction: This Is Us 1/3/2026 US Award-winning documentarian Morgan Spurlock turns his camera on boy band phenomenon One Direction in this combination concert film and backstage pass.

The Boss Baby 1/3/2026 US A kid finds himself at the center of a corporate plot thanks to his new baby brother — who only talks business when their parents aren't around.

Pineapple Express 1/3/2026 US After witnessing a murder, a perpetually stoned process server and his good-natured dealer go on the run from a drug lord who's out to kill them.

The Invisible Man 20/3/2026 US After escaping from an abusive, controlling relationship with a wealthy tech genius, a woman finds herself stalked and tormented by an unseen entity.

Marvel Games and Limited Run Games Announce MARVEL MaXimum Collection for PC and Console

MaXimum Fun Meets MaXimum Thrills in This Curated Collection of Classics, Coming to Nintendo® Switch™, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam 

Limited Run Games, a premium publisher of physical games, announced today MARVEL MaXimum Collection, a compendium of classic Marvel titles from the golden age of gaming, coming soon to PC and console and created in collaboration with Marvel Games and Konami Digital Entertainment (KONAMI).

 

Featuring six classic titles from the Arcade, 8-bit, and 16-bit consoles, MARVEL MaXimum Collection includes a host of fan favorites, each evoking the endless spirit, imagination, and non-stop action that made the originals so beloved for a generation of gamers.

 

Arriving on Nintendo® Switch™, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, MARVEL MaXimum Collection represents a comprehensive gathering of Marvel’s early gaming legacy, reborn for a modern gaming audience.

 

 

More than a mere game, MARVEL MaXimum Collection is one for the True Believers, a Super Hero-sized helping of history, taking gamers on a comprehensive tour of Marvel’s gaming legacy. Spanning multiple genres and a multitude of the world’s greatest heroes, gamers can experience every pixelated punch, web-swing, and optic blast across multiple platforms. Refusing to play favorites, MARVEL MaXimum Collection doesn’t just feature one version of a particular game; here, every major console and arcade iteration is included! Whether you grew up with a controller in your hand or a roll of quarters in your pocket, the MARVEL MaXimum Collection is the ultimate collection of comic book classics! Here’s what’s included:

 

X-Men: The Arcade Game (Arcade)

·         The definitive mutant beat-’em-up returns! Experience the legendary cabinet action with full online multiplayer support for up to six players. Choose your favorite X-Man and take on Magneto’s army with the ultimate team-up experience.

 

Captain America and The Avengers (Arcade, Sega® Genesis/Mega Drive, NES)

·         Take control of Captain America, Iron Man, Hawkeye, and Vision as you experience the cinematic arcade original or the unique platforming spin of the NES.

 

Spider-Man/Venom: Maximum Carnage (Super Nintendo™, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive)

·         Based on the iconic comic crossover, gamers take to the streets of NYC battling hordes of nefarious bad guys, all to the sound of a rockin’ 16-bit soundtrack! Switch between the rich color palette of the Super Nintendo version, or dive in and enjoy the Genesis/Mega Drive version’s gritty vibe. Whatever you choose, carnage is guaranteed! 

 

Venom/Spider-Man: Separation Anxiety (Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive)

·         The superlative symbiote sequel! Go solo or team up in two-player co-op to take on the Life Foundation and Carnage’s offspring. 

 

Spider-Man/X-Men: Arcade’s Revenge (Super Nintendo™, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Game Boy™, Game Gear™)

·         Navigate Arcade’s deadly "Murderworld." This collection includes the handheld versions of the game, offering a fascinating look at Marvel's history of on-the-go gaming.

 

Silver Surfer (NES):

·         Test your Super Hero skills against one of the most infamously challenging shooters to ever grace a console! Featuring one of the greatest soundtracks in 8-bit history, this is a shooter that’s tough to master and tougher to put down!

 

As if six comic book classic titles were not enough, MARVEL MaXimum Collection goes one step further, adding a host of features designed to scratch the itch of modern gamers and collectors alike! Additional features include:

 

·         Archives: Dive into a digital archive featuring high-resolution scans of original box art, instruction manuals, and vintage advertisements.

·         Music Player: Kick back and listen to the iconic chip-tune scores from every version of every game in the collection.

·         Rewind & Save States: Finally conquer the "Deadly Walls" of Silver Surfer or the boss gauntlets of Arcade’s Revenge with the ability to rewind gameplay and save anywhere.

·         Display Options: Play with crisp, modern pixels or recreate the Saturday morning experience with CRT and scanline filters.

 

Scream 7: Movie Review

Cast: Neve Campbell, Isabel May, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Anna Camp, David Arquette, Roger L. Jackson, Michelle Randolph, Jimmy Tatro, Mckenna Grace, Asa Germann, Celeste O’Connor, Sam Rechner, Mark Consuelos, Tim Simons, Matthew Lillard, Joel McHale, Courteney Cox
Director: Kevin Williamson

The latest entrant in the Scream slasher series goes back to its roots.

When Neve Campbell's Sidney Prescott thinks she has it all, a new life in a new town, she's shocked to once again receive a taunting call from serial killer Ghostface.

But this time, it's personal with Sidney's daughter is the one being threatened... 

Formulaic suspense, fake-outs, OTT deaths, masked killers and a general malaise pervades much of the latest Scream film, the first to see Neve Campbell return as Final Girl Sidney Prescott after she sat out the prior film.

But this Scream feels more like a whimper with the idea of Sidney taking on a new life as a suburban mom to growingly rebellious teen daughter Tatum (Isabel May) feeling like it's wasted, rather than built upon.

With original scribe Kevin Williamson back and behind the camera, as well as Campbell, you'd expect a meta-film that is full of clever twists and turns. Instead, as Sidney once again battles Ghostface, what emerges is a film that's content to make comments about how Sidney was wise to sit out the events of New York and less interested in advancing or reshaping the genre.

It starts with a pre-titles sequence set in the original Woodsboro house that's now visitable by tourists (Scare BnB, anyone?) but it's limp and obvious in its execution(s).

Messing with the idea that Matthew Lillard's Stu has returned to kill again and dabbling with the idea of deepfakes and AI, Scream 7 had real potential to ensure it was going to be killer. Instead, what emerges is largely filler, that takes nearly 2 hours to play out and has a deeply unsatisfying reveal of the final reasons for the stab-fest.

Campbell's stoic enough and it's good to see her having gone through the transition to becoming more proactive. Cox has a great entrance and little else, and the film's obsession with leaning into examining why everyone could be a suspect leaves you distinctly feeling that all of this has been done before - and better.

The whole thing lacks a freshness and feels like the franchise has fallen foul of itself (the very idea that a rewrite cost $500,000 after Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega dropped out is laughable given how poor it is).

If anything, while box office will probably guarantee a return, creatively, this franchise is done - it's time to stick a knife in its heart and end it for good.

Samsung releases Galaxy S26 Series

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the Galaxy S26 series, powered by the most intuitive, proactive and adaptive Galaxy AI  experiences yet and designed to simplify the tasks people do on their phones every day. From managing plans and finding information to capturing and refining content, Galaxy S26 reduces the effort and number of steps required to get things done. As Samsung’s third-generation AI phones, Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra handle complex tasks in the background, allowing users to focus on results rather than how the technology works.

The Galaxy S26 series was engineered with Samsung’s most advanced capabilities working together as one: incredible performance, Galaxy’s leading camera system and Galaxy AI. This provides a strong foundation that gives Galaxy S26 users the confidence to depend on their phone throughout the day without compromising security or privacy.

Building on Samsung's decades of innovation in display technology, Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces our first built-in Privacy Display for mobile phones to unlock a new class of display experiences and reinforce Samsung's commitment to privacy at a pixel level. Galaxy S26 Ultra also delivers a customised chipset and upgraded thermal management that enable faster and more powerful AI — all wrapped up in the slimmest Ultra yet.

Together, these choices allow the Galaxy S26 series to deliver the most powerful Galaxy experience yet.

“We believe AI should be something people can depend on every day, designed to work consistently for everyone and without the need for expertise,” said TM Roh, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “With the Galaxy S26 series, we focused on making AI feel effortless, working quietly in the background so people can focus on what matters.”

Powerful Performance Designed Around Everyday Use

Engineered for all-day performance, the Galaxy S26 series is built on the most powerful hardware ever on a Galaxy S series, powered by a customised chipset. Across the line-up, the Galaxy S26 series is engineered for AI performance, power efficiency and thermal management, ensuring demanding tasks run smoothly and consistently, so users can rely on their device when it matters.

On Galaxy S26 Ultra, a customised mobile processor — Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy  — delivers the best performance ever in its class with significant gains across CPU, GPU, and NPU to support faster, smoother experiences that keep up throughout the day.

To sustain this level of performance, Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a redesigned Vapor Chamber with thermal interface material positioned along the sides of the processor, allowing heat to spread more efficiently across a larger surface area. This improves  heat dissipation to keep the device cool and consistent, even during demanding activities such as gaming, multitasking and video capture. To support all-day use, Galaxy S26 Ultra also brings Super Fast Charging 3.0, minimising downtime by reaching up to 75% charge in just 30 minutes .

Embedded into the processor, Samsung’s proprietary technologies enhance visual performance. ProScaler  improves image scaling so photos and videos appear richer and clearer at a glance by sharpening text and fine detail while smoothing textures. Additionally, Samsung’s mobile Digital Natural Image engine (mDNIe) delivers more subtle and lifelike colours thanks to image processing with four times the precision compared to the previous generation.

Taken together, these advancements deliver dependable all-day performance, making every action feel effortless.

Galaxy’s Leading Camera System

The Galaxy S26 series brings the same focus on intuitive interaction to creativity and productivity, delivered through Samsung’s leading Galaxy camera system. With an approach that integrates capturing stunning photos and videos, editing and sharing into a single, seamless experience, creativity feels more natural and accessible even without professional tools or technical knowledge.

On Galaxy S26 Ultra, wider camera apertures  allow more light to reach the sensor, delivering clearer photos with richer details in low-light conditions, even when zoomed in. Enhanced Nightography Video  keeps footage clearer and more vibrant even in dim scenes, whether capturing concerts indoors or recording moments around a campfire after sunset. Video capture is further enhanced with upgraded Super Steady  capabilities, which add a horizontal lock option for greater stability and to make consistent framing easier to achieve, even with bumpy trails or fast-paced activities. Galaxy S26 Ultra is the first Galaxy device to support APV, a new professional-grade video codec designed to deliver efficient compression for high-quality production workflows. Optimised for advanced creators, it ensures visually lossless video quality that stays true even after repeated editing.

Improvements to the AI ISP  now extend to the selfie camera, capturing more natural skin tones and finer detail in mixed lighting. 

Editing photos and videos is just as easy and straightforward, with AI-powered tools built into familiar workflows so users can make changes quickly and unlock their creativity without design expertise. 

With the upgraded Photo Assist  suite, users can simply describe what they want to change in their own words. Changing the scene from day to night is just a matter of asking. It can also add to images and restore missing parts of objects like a bite taken out of a cake. Personal details, such as a spill on clothing, can also be cleaned up with Galaxy AI’s new ability to change outfits in photos. Edits can now be made continuously, reviewed step by step, and easily adjusted or undone along the way, making the process feel fluid rather than final.

Creative Studio  builds on this simplicity by bringing creation and customisation into one integrated space, making it easy to act on ideas when inspiration strikes. Starting from a sketch, photo or prompt, users can quickly turn ideas into polished visuals — from stickers and invitations to personalised wallpapers — and refine or share them without switching tools or interrupting creative flow.

The Galaxy S26 series also simplifies frequent visual tasks with AI-powered tools like the Document Scan, which removes distortions and distractions such as creases or fingers to deliver clean scans instantly. Multiple images can be organised automatically into a single PDF, making it easy to digitise receipts, forms or notes.

The Most Intuitive Galaxy AI Experience Yet

The Galaxy S26 series is designed to make frequently used experiences feel straightforward and user-friendly, with Galaxy AI reducing the steps between intent and action. It works more proactively and seamlessly on the user’s behalf based on context, surfacing the right support at the right moment and automating tasks with minimal manual input. As the technology fades and handles tasks in the background, users can focus on the results.

With Now Nudge , timely and relevant suggestions help users stay in the flow without being distracted. If a friend asks for photos from a recent trip, Galaxy S26 automatically suggests photos from the Gallery, removing the need to search through albums or switch between apps. When receiving a message about a meeting, Galaxy S26 can recognise related Calendar entries and check for conflicts.

On the Galaxy S26 series, Now Brief  has become more proactive and personalised . It surfaces timely reminders for important events – from reservations to travel updates – based on personal context, helping users stay organised throughout the day.

Searching for information is also easier than ever. Circle to Search with Google  on the Galaxy S26 series has been upgraded with enhanced multi-object recognition, so users can now explore more deeply on multiple parts of an image at once. If users spot a look they love, the feature also identifies everything from the jacket to the shoes, all in one search.

Galaxy S26 series features an upgraded Bixby  as a conversational device agent, making it more intuitive and easier than ever to interact with Galaxy devices. Users can navigate their devices and adjust settings using natural language, without the need for exact terminology or commands. 

Alongside Bixby, Galaxy S26 series integrates a choice of agents, including Gemini and Perplexity. Once set up, tasks can be completed with a single button press or voice prompt. Galaxy S26 can also handle multi-step tasks in the background, streamlining the process on the user’s behalf. For example, with Gemini, booking a taxi  is as simple as asking, reviewing the details and tapping confirm. These agents support tasks such as searching and carrying out complex tasks seamlessly across apps through natural interaction.

Together, these proactive, personalised and adaptive experiences lay the foundation for more agentic AI experiences — setting the stage for Galaxy devices to become trusted companions that understand and anticipate user needs. 

Layers of Protection in the Age of AI

As mobile experiences become more personalised thanks to AI, protecting user privacy becomes even more critical. Samsung builds protection into every layer of Galaxy S26, keeping personal data secure while giving users transparency and control over how their information is used.

Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces privacy at the pixel level with our first built-in Privacy Display , a breakthrough in display technology that fundamentally changes how privacy can be protected on a phone. Designed for everyday situations like transit, cafés and shared environments, Privacy Display goes beyond anything previously available on mobile devices — hardware and software working as one to protect privacy without compromising the viewing experience.

By controlling how pixels disperse light, the display keeps content clear, bright and comfortable for the user in everyday use, while limiting what others can see. Unlike traditional stick-on privacy films, Galaxy’s integrated Privacy Display preserves full viewing quality from all directions when off, and limits visibility for others from side viewing angles when activated, even when switching between portrait and landscape orientation.

Users can customise when it turns on — such as when entering PINs, patterns and passwords or opening selected apps — and adjust privacy levels depending on the situation. Partial Screen Privacy intelligently limits visibility for notification pop-ups, while Maximum Privacy Protection further obscures side views for added discretion, all with minimal impact on power or usability.

The Galaxy S26 series also brings smarter software safeguards that work quietly in the background. AI-powered Call Screening  identifies unknown callers and summarises intent, making it easier to safely manage calls. Privacy Alerts use machine learning to proactively notify users in real time when apps with device admin privileges unnecessarily attempt to access sensitive data, such as precise location, call logs or contacts. These alerts help users quickly understand when apps are seeking deeper access, so they can manage permissions with greater clarity and control. 

Private Album, built directly into Gallery, lets users easily hide selected photos and videos without creating a separate folder or signing into a Samsung Account. To stay ahead of emerging threats, Galaxy S26 also extends Samsung’s innovation in post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to critical system processes, including software verification and firmware protection, strengthening device integrity for the future. 

New updates to Knox Matrix further strengthen protection across connected Galaxy devices, adding PQC-enabled end-to-end encryption for more services such as eSIM transfers and clearer visibility into firmware update status across the ecosystem through Security Status of Your Devices. 

These experiences are supported by Samsung Knox, the multi-layer security platform that protects Galaxy devices from the chip level up. For on-device Galaxy AI, Personal Data Engine (PDE) enables context-aware, personalised AI experiences. To keep this process safe, Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) encrypts each app’s data, while Knox Vault adds a physical layer of protection that isolates sensitive data inside its own secure hardware. Together with settings that let users choose how AI features operate, Galaxy S26 combines hardware and software to deliver a comprehensive, system-wide approach designed to keep personal data protected.

These updates build on Galaxy’s existing security and privacy portfolio which includes Auto Blocker, Theft Protection, Private Sharing, Secure Wi-Fi and more. These layers of protection are designed to give users greater transparency, choice and control through Samsung’s continued mobile security innovation in the age of AI. And with seven years of security updates, Galaxy S26 helps keep these layers resilient over time — supporting longer, more confident use well into the years ahead.

Galaxy S26’s ease of use continues even when the phone is out of reach. The new Galaxy Buds4 series is a natural companion to Galaxy S26, extending everyday experiences beyond the phone while delivering rich and immersive hi-fi sound. When Galaxy S26 is paired with Galaxy Buds4, interactions can continue naturally in moments when using hands isn’t practical. Users can activate AI agents  with their voices, manage calls through simple Head Gestures  on Buds4 Pro, and stay connected without breaking their flow.

Availability

Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26+ and S26 will be available for pre-order starting from February 26. The Galaxy S26 series features a unified design language across all models, with shared colour options including Cobalt Violet, White, Black and Sky Blue  alongside the online channel exclusive  Pink Gold and Silver Shadow. 

For added peace of mind, Samsung Care+  offers comprehensive coverage optimised to users' device needs, including fast repairs for accidental damage, extended warranty, and certified expert support available both at home and abroad. This ensures a seamless mobile lifestyle and provides lasting protection that safeguards the value of Galaxy devices.

Samsung unleashes New Galaxy Buds4 Series

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today introduced its latest Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Galaxy Buds4, redefining what premium earbuds can deliver in both superior hi-fi audio and everyday wearability. Built to sound as good as they feel, the Galaxy Buds4 series pairs exceptional sound quality with a more refined, computationally designed fit, bringing Samsung’s most advanced audio and wearability innovations together in one seamless experience. For the first time, Buds4 Pro features a wider woofer, combined with enhanced Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and an enhanced Adaptive Equaliser (EQ), to supply full-spectrum sound true to the original recording — while intelligently adapting to real-world conditions. Thoughtful design updates, intuitive hands-free controls, and deeper AI integration further underscore Samsung’s commitment to earbuds designed for how people listen, move and live throughout the day.

“Samsung understands that a truly premium audio experience combines technical sound quality with how that sound feels throughout a user's day,” said Ikhyun Cho, Corporate VP of Mobile Enhancement R&D Team, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “With the Galaxy Buds4 series, our design philosophy was uncompromising, providing all-day comfort without sacrificing audio performance, because these are what consumers value most. We engineered our most powerful hi-fi audio and our most secure, ergonomic fit to enhance one another, delivering the best listening experience we’ve ever created.”

Computational Design Optimised for Enhanced Stability and All-Day Comfort

With the Buds4 series, Samsung establishes an iconic Buds blade design identity, a computational design achieved by analysing data from hundreds of millions of global ear data points and running over 10,000 simulations.  The Buds4 series features an ultra-sleek, ergonomic fit with smaller,  better-fitting earbud heads to deliver a more secure, comfortable experience during all-day wear. The new stabilised blade includes a premium metal finish and an engraved pinch control  area to help users easily locate and adjust settings. Additionally, the new transparent clamshell-type cradle makes storage and charging more intuitive and convenient — while also highlighting the refined blade design to deliver a stylish, high-quality listening experience on the go.

Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Buds4 offer distinct design architectures to meet different needs. Galaxy Buds4 Pro features a canal-fit design that combines ultimate sound with maximum functionality. The open-fit design of Galaxy Buds4 delivers a comfortable, user-friendly audio experience. Customers also have the option to choose from several distinct colourways, with Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Buds4 available in White and Black with a refined matte finish — as well as the online channel exclusive Pink Gold for Buds4 Pro.

Superior Hi-Fi Sound With Innovative Hardware Updates

Larger speakers offer better sound quality, and Buds4 Pro introduces a new wider woofer, featuring a new design that makes efficient use of space. By maximising the vibration area and minimising the speaker’s edge, the wider woofer increases the effective speaker area by almost 20%  compared to the previous generation without sacrificing wearability. Combined with the tweeter, these features deliver natural, immersive audio with clean bass and rich treble that supports 24-bit/96kHz audio  — ultimately delivering high-fidelity sound true to the original recording. These hardware enhancements capture everything from the high, resonant sounds of violins to the deep, throaty pulses of double basses — details that were difficult to reproduce in earlier generations. The two-way speaker is strategically placed on the upper side of the metal finish to maximise Active Noise Cancellation functionality while minimising feedback from wind and other external factors.

Maximised Audio Experiences With Enhanced Adaptive EQ and ANC

Galaxy Buds4 series offers software updates that build on powerful adaptive sound capabilities users have come to love in previous Buds generations. Enhanced Adaptive ANC can tune out everything from heavy transit sounds to everyday background noise, ensuring an immersive audio experience that adapts to changing environments. For example, when commuting on a bus, train or airplane, Buds4’s enhanced Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation reduces low-frequency engine and road noise while maintaining rich, balanced sound — allowing users to focus on music, podcasts or calls without distraction.

Enhanced Adaptive ANC/EQ  allows for full media immersion, minimising noise leakage by analysing the wearing conditions and unique ear shape of each user. Alongside dynamic frequency adjustments, this feature applies optimal ANC algorithms in real time for peak noise-cancelling performance so users can enjoy fine-tuned sound experiences tailored to their individual needs. 

When it’s time to make a phone call, Super Clear Call  utilises super wideband call technology and machine learning models trained for noise reduction and voice enhancement to provide ultra-clear call quality and double the bandwidth of conventional Bluetooth calls. Whether users are cheering at a baseball game, dining in a bustling restaurant, or spending time with their children at the playground, their voice remains crisp and clear, ensuring they sound as if they were speaking face-to-face. 

An Enriched Galaxy Ecosystem Experience

For Galaxy users, the Buds4 series introduces integrations that enhance the Galaxy ecosystem experience. Users can initiate AI agents  — including Bixby,  Google Gemini  and Perplexity — with hands-free and voice controls, helping users stay engaged with their surroundings while maintaining control over their audio experience. Galaxy Buds4 series allows users to access AI features without reaching for their phones, making it easier to integrate AI into their everyday routines. 

Galaxy ecosystem users can also enjoy simple Buds setup.  Just by opening the cradle — without having to install the Galaxy Wearable app — Galaxy users can easily connect their Buds to their phone or tablet. Through the Buds shortcut menu or in the Quick Panel, users can control and customise the volume or EQ for the optimal sound experience. 

Galaxy Buds4 series also includes Head Gesture  controls to manage calls and engage with Bixby, allowing users to perform subsequent actions hands-free. Along with voice commands, hands-free controls such as these allow users to navigate their day without distraction, ensuring their daily activities remain seamless and uninterrupted.

Availability

The Galaxy Buds4 series, launching with the Galaxy S26 series, is available for pre-order in select markets from February 26, with general availability starting March 5. 

To learn more about the Galaxy Buds4 series, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/nz/audio-sound/galaxy-buds4-pro/buy/. 

For high-resolution images, please see HERE or HERE.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

Galaxy Buds4 Series Specifications 

                                   Galaxy Buds4 Galaxy Buds4 Pro

Colour Black, White

*Available colours may vary by market, carrier or retailer. Black, White, Pink Gold (Samsung.com)

*Available colours may vary by market, carrier or retailer.

Dimensions Earbud: 18.3 x 19.3 x 30.5 mm

Charging Case: 51 x 51 x 28.3 mm Earbud: 18.1 x 19.6 x 30.9 mm

Charging Case: 51 x 51 x 28.3 mm

Weight Earbud: 4.6g

Charging Case: 45.1g Earbud: 5.1g

Charging Case: 44.3g

*with M size eartip

Speaker Φ11 3.8t (1way)

Φ 11 3.5t (WF) / 5.5x3.5x0.9T (TW)

Microphone Digital (x3) HSNR Digital (x2) 

Digital (x1)

Sound Quality UHQ*

24bit Hi-Fi**

360 Audio with Direct Multi-Channel***

* Ultra high quality audio up to 24bit/96kHz is available on Galaxy S26 series, S25 series, S24 series, S23 series, Z TriFold, Z Fold7, Z Flip7, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and Tab S9 series with One UI 6.1.1 or above. Additional devices may be supported in the future.

** 24-bit Hi-Fi sound requires Samsung Galaxy devices running OneUI 4.0 or higher and Galaxy Buds4. 24-bit Hi-Fi sound support may vary depending on the application.

*** Direct Multi-channel is supported with Android One UI version 4.1.1 or later, 360 Audio Supports One UI 3.1 or later. UHQ*

24bit Hi-Fi**

360 Audio with Direct Multi-Channel***

* Ultra high quality audio up to 24bit/96kHz is available on Galaxy S26 series, S25 series, S24 series, S23 series, Z TriFold, Z Fold7, Z Flip7, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and Tab S9 series with One UI 6.1.1 or above. Additional devices may be supported in the future.

** 24-bit Hi-Fi sound requires Samsung Galaxy devices running OneUI 4.0 or higher and Galaxy Buds4 Pro. 24-bit Hi-Fi sound support may vary depending on the application.

*** Direct Multi-channel is supported with Android One UI version 4.1.1 or later, 360 Audio Supports One UI 3.1 or later.

ANC & Ambient Sound ANC

Ambient sound

Adaptive EQ

Adaptive ANC ANC

Ambient sound

Voice*/Siren** Detect

Adaptive EQ

Enhanced Adaptive ANC

* The earbuds automatically recognise the user’s voice, boosting the ambient sound to enhance conversation clarity when it begins and increasing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to block out background noise when the conversation ends. 

** This feature raises the ambient sound volume to ensure users can hear crucial alerts such as alarms, emergency vehicles, or police sirens.

Battery Capacity Earbuds: 45mAh (typical)

Charging Case: 515mAh (typical)*

* The typical capacity has been tested under third-party laboratory conditions. The typical capacity is the estimated average capacity considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under the IEC 61960-3 standard. The rated capacity is 42mAh (earbuds), 500mAh (charging case). Actual battery life may vary depending on the network environment, usage patterns, and other factors. Earbuds: 61mAh (typical)

Charging Case: 530mAh (typical)*

* The typical capacity has been tested under third-party laboratory conditions. The typical capacity is the estimated average capacity considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under the IEC 61960-3 standard. The rated capacity is 57mAh (earbuds), 515mAh (charging case). Actual battery life may vary depending on the network environment, usage patterns, and other factors.

Music Time Up to 5 hours / Total up to 24 hours (ANC on)

Up to 6 hours / Total up to 30 hours (ANC off)* 

* Earbuds provide up to 5hrs play time with ANC on (up to 6 hours with ANC off), while the case provides up to 24 hours of battery life (up to 30 hours with ANC off) when the case and earbuds are charged to 100%. Based on internal testing. Audio playback time tested by pairing a pre-production Galaxy Buds4 to a recently released Galaxy smartphone with default settings including ANC on. Actual battery life may vary and depend on usage conditions, settings, number of times charged, Bluetooth signal strength, and other factors. Default setting refers to the original setting for the Galaxy Buds4 when it was first released, simply with the power turned on. Up to 6 hours / Total up to 26 hours (ANC on)

Up to 7 hours / Total up to 30 hours (ANC off)*

* Earbuds provide up to 6hrs play time with ANC on (up to 7 hours with ANC off), while the case provides up to 26 hours of battery life (up to 30 hours with ANC off) when the case and earbuds are charged to 100%. Based on internal testing. Audio playback time tested by pairing a pre-production Galaxy Buds4 Pro to a recently released Galaxy smartphone with default settings including ANC on. Actual battery life may vary and depend on usage conditions, settings, number of times charged, Bluetooth signal strength, and other factors. Default setting refers to the original setting for the Galaxy Buds4 Pro when it was first released, simply with the power turned on.

Talk Time Up to 3.5 hours / Total up to 18h (ANC on)

Up to 4 hours / Total up to 20h 

(ANC off)

* Earbuds provide up to 3.5hrs voice call time with ANC on (up to 4 hours with ANC off), while the case provides up to 18 hours of battery life (up to 20 hours with ANC off) when the case and earbuds are charged to 100%. Based on internal testing. Voice call time tested by pairing pre-production Galaxy Buds4 to a recently released Galaxy smartphone with default settings including ANC on. Actual battery life may vary and depend on usage conditions, settings, number of times charged, Bluetooth signal strength, and other factors. Up to 4.5 hours / Total up to 20h (ANC on)

Up to 5 hours / Total up to 22h 

(ANC off)

* Earbuds provide up to 4.5hrs voice call time with ANC on (up to 5 hours with ANC off), while the case provides up to 20 hours of battery life (up to 22 hours with ANC off) when the case and earbuds are charged to 100%. Based on internal testing. Voice call time tested by pairing pre-production Galaxy Buds4 Pro to a recently released Galaxy smartphone with default settings including ANC on. Actual battery life may vary and depend on usage conditions, settings, number of times charged, Bluetooth signal strength, and other factors.

Connectivity Bluetooth® 6.1, Auto Switch

Codec: SSC (Samsung Seamless Codec) HiFi, SSC UHQ (Samsung Proprietary), AAC, SBC, LC3 

Auracast Bluetooth® 6.1, Auto Switch

Codec: SSC (Samsung Seamless Codec) HiFi, SSC UHQ (Samsung Proprietary), AAC, SBC, LC3 

Auracast

Sensor Voice Pickup Unit (VPU), Force & Touch (Swipe), IR, Accelerometre, Gyro, Hall sensor Voice Pickup Unit (VPU), Force & Touch (Swipe), SWIR, Accelerometre, Gyro, Hall sensor

Compatibility Android 12 or higher with more than 1.5GB of Memory

* Some features may not be available on non-Samsung devices. Availability may vary by market, operator or connected device. Android 12 or higher with more than 1.5GB of Memory

* Some features may not be available on non-Samsung devices. Availability may vary by market, operator or connected device.

Water Resistance IP54*

* earbuds only IP57*

* earbuds only

Nirvanna The Band The Movie: Movie Review

Nirvanna The Band The Show- The Movie: Movie Review

Cast: Matt Johnson, Jay McCarrol

Director: Matt Johnson

There's a warm goofiness to Nirvanna The Band The Show- The Movie that may be catnip to some and anathema to others.

Based on a cult Canadian comedy series that began way back in 2007, it followed the duo Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol, a pair of would-be musicians desperate to score a gig at a local club - and concocting plenty of out-there plans to do so, rather than simply contacting their dream venue.

The film version of that series follows a template that mixes mockumentary with time-travel shenanigans riffing on Back To The Future while never holding back from acknowledging the fact it's directly like it.

When they end up back in 2008, the duo tries to work out how to get back - and if indeed, they can or should do so.

To say Nirvanna The Band The Show- The Movie is a little niche is perhaps to undersell it.

In parts, it feels like a fly-on-the-wall documentary that's in the style of hidden camera pranks as they bumble through their life - though, when the moments hit, they land with a conviction and a humour that's amusing, if not outright hilarious.

Perhaps more effective riffing on perceived Canadian politeness (a running gag literally sees Matt running through the streets and continually apologising to those in the way) and the Toronto way of life, Nirvanna The Band The Show- The Movie feels in parts like a series of sketches stitched together with the loosest of threads.

But there are audacious moments too.

One sequence early on which sees them apparently jumping from Toronto's CN Tower and skydiving into a local stadium (because it's their plan to get noticed) benefits greatly for a WTF feeling of "Did they actually do that?". 

And there's no denying a DIY storehand's comment of "I'm a Libertarian, but I wouldn't do that" when the pair talks of using pliers to cut wires is laugh-out loud funny - even if you're not sure whether it's been scripted.

It also has a huge heart too, capturing some of the uncertainties of mid-life male relationships and the ennui that comes with continual disappointment. Its deeply philosophical line of "if you got a best friend, you won’t even notice getting older", may be one of the cinema's truest ever moments, that will land with its core audience as the final third dips into maudlin melancholy and an examination of what life really is about.

Nirvanna The Band The Show- The Movie is one of those films that will benefit from fans poring over it and picking out the sight gags and running jokes. But it still can't escape the feeling of being overlong and for a certain core audience, rather than mass appeal.