Technology Archives - TBNI.Blog - The Official TBNI.Blog

TORRAS for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case with MagSafe : Review

September 30, 2025 by TomBoyNI

TORRAS for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case with MagSafe : Review :

You will have without doubt noticed TORRAS cases this year, they seem to be sponsoring all of YouTube!

The offering that you will have seen over most of the big Tech Reviewers is their TORRAS OStand Q3 Air model. This is their top of the range case that offers huge drop figure protection numbers as well as an integrated ring that doubles as a holder and stand. You can set the phone in any number of orientations and angles for your viewing pleasure…

However that is not the case I bought.

The OStand Q3 Air is very pricey at £55.99 GBP, I just could not justify the cost on a brand I have not yet tried. At that price point they are directly competing with the likes of Nomad (which has been my case of choice for the last 2 years with my iPhone 15 Pro Max) and Mous, a previous and uncontested favourite of mine, since replaced by a Nomad.

So I opted for one of their mid level cases, the TORRAS for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case with MagSafe which was priced at £23.99 GBP. For similar reasons to my purchase of the ESR Hybrid Magnetic Case, mainly that it was readily available for delivery prior to the launch of the new iPhone and it is absolutely necessary to have a case for your new phone, only sociopaths use their phone without a case! /s

As you would expect with Amazon the case arrived promptly and my initial impressions were indeed very positive. The packing is as you would expect, it’s a box, it ensures the case arrives protected, and the case itself is wrapped in a soft touch branded bag. The pleasant surprise was the pack of buttons which allow you to add a little bit of customisation and personality to the case. It is simply a press out and replace process to add a little colour pop to your case.

ESR Hybrid Magnetic Case iPhone 17 Pro Max : Review

September 27, 2025 by TomBoyNI

ESR Hybrid Magnetic Case iPhone 17 Pro Max : Review

The ESR Hybrid Magnetic Case for the iPhone 17 Pro Max is one of the entry level cases available from ESR for the new 2025 iPhone range.

In fact the Hybrid Magnetic case is the cheapest in the range, at £11.99 at Amazon with an RRP of £12.99.

It was also the first case I purchased for my iPhone 17 Pro Max, and that was for two reasons.

As is now common place from ESR, they always have their products ready to go for launch. That’s important, and commendable in its own right. You buy a new phone, you want a case for it and ESR are always ready for launch day, so no waiting, no expected shipping, just a case that is ready when you phone arrives.
It offers full camera bump protection. The new iPhone 17s come with a radically new camera bump design, and until we see how things go with new design I opted for maximum protection of the hump, however, in protecting that hump you must be sure there is nothing to interfere with with those gorgeous new 3 x 48 megapixel image shooters on your new device. That is why I opted for this, maximum protection for the hump, and minimal outlay should it interfere. (Spoiler – it doesn’t, at all).

Should I be worried about the hump? The 2025 iPhone Scandal – ScratchGate…

Eufy Smart Scales Review

September 12, 2025 by TomBoyNI

Eufy Smart Scales Review :

For over five years I have been using a set of Eufy Smart Scales (C1) – so this review is probably well overdue! But it also means that it earns the title of long term review!

However – they are still in use, still working exactly as they did on Day 1, and have only had the batteries replaced once!

And, for the review I will keep it pretty concise.

2025 Apple iPhone Event : Awe Dropping

August 31, 2025 by TomBoyNI

2025 Apple iPhone Event : Awe Dropping :

The “Awe-Dropping” event on September 9th, 2025, (18:00 GMT) is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most anticipated keynotes in recent memory. Whether you’re an iPhone loyalist, an audio enthusiast, or simply love cutting-edge technology, there’s undoubtedly something to look forward to.

More importantly, the invitation states ‘Join us in person’ which hopefully means a movement away from the pre recorded keynotes we have become accustomed to since Covid-19.

2025 Armoy Road Races to be Televised Live

July 25, 2025 by TomBoyNI

2025 Armoy Road Races to be Televised Live :

The Armoy Club have confirmed via a Press Release that the 2025 Armoy Road Races will be Televised Live!

Armoy Road Races to be Streamed Live on BBC Sport NI :

Motorcycling road racing fans from around the world are in for a real treat this weekend (Saturday 26th July) as the Armoy Road Races will be streamed live for the first time by BBC Sport NI.

All the action will be streamed live on the BBC iPlayer for UK audiences and available internationally on the BBC Sport NI website.

Produced by Greenlight Television, this pilot programme marks a significant milestone for the Armoy Road Racing Motorcycle Club (AMRRC) as they aim to expand their international reach. The event, renowned for its thrilling atmosphere, attracts fans and riders worldwide, offering them a chance to witness the excitement of Saturday’s racing from their homes.

Gareth McAuley, Chairman of AMRRC said; “This will give road racing fans access to one of the most popular events in the calendar. This is a fantastic development for the Armoy Road Races and something that the Club is very proud of.

Nomad Sport Band Review :

November 26, 2023 by TomBoyNI

Nomad Sport Band Review : Apple Watch Band

Apple’s Apple Watch straps and bands are difficult to beat in terms of fit and quality. They are well made, feel right, fit right and look right. Whether you are looking at the Nike Sport Loop, the Apple Watch Ultra Dive Strap, one of the official offerings from Hermes, or something in between you are guaranteed to have something that will have quality, form and function. One more things is guaranteed – they are costly.

So you have something that works well and looks right but is also expensive. The result then is the market will be flooded with bootlegs. A quick browse on an international marketplace will show hundreds of options for copy straps that instead of costing somewhere between £50-£100+ you will have similar ‘looking’ options that start at a few £s.

Often though, you get what you pay for and often these bootlegs will look the part in the photos but when you receive them the quality is far less that what you would hope for. You can get lucky but I have always found that the fitting systems on non genuine straps is poor. The band (especially the fabric options) can often be reasonable but the fitting is pretty useless.

All is not lost though. There are some good third party accessory manufacturers who make products that are not simply a knock off of one of Apple’s designs. They spend money in research and development and come up with alternative and functional products.

One such company is Nomad.

I have recently reviewed another Nomad product, the Nomad Rugged Case, which I have used now for around 6 weeks – it has not been off my phone and still looks exactly as it did when purchased. This was a huge contributing factor as to why I opted to try the Nomad Sport Band Apple Watch Strap.

Nomad Rugged Case Review : Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

September 9, 2025October 13, 2023 by TomBoyNI

Nomad Rugged Case Review : Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max :

Nomad Rugged Case for Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max — Nomad Rugged Case Review

Nomad started make accessories around 2012, the first product being a Kickstarter Crowd Funding project of an ‘ultraportable charging cable.’ Since then the company has excelled and is now considered one of the top manufactures of premium mobile phone cases.

Their leather cases are highly reviewed and since this year and Apple having ceased manufacture of leather cases for the new iPhone 15 range Nomad has become one of the most written about and reviewed leather case manufacturers.

However, this review is not about leather. This review focuses on the Nomad Rugged Case.

The official description of the case is :

Surprisingly light in hand, Rugged Case protects your iPhone from all angles with a durable polycarbonate frame and fortified corner bumpers.

Durable TPU bumpers and camera ring
Polycarbonate frame with PET backplate
Anodized aluminum buttons
15ft drop protection
Dual lanyard attachment points
MagSafe & wireless charging compatible

G-Shock GA-140BMC-1AER ‘Tokyo Neo’ Review :

June 13, 2023 by TomBoyNI

G-Shock GA-140BMC-1AER ‘Tokyo Neo’ Review :

The GA-140-BMC-1AER: A Bold Fusion of Style and Innovation :

Released in August 2019 in Japan, the Black x Neon Series includes four G-Shock watches with blacked-out bezels and neon hands and accents. The matte black bezels represent the night and the yellow, red, and blue neon accents represent the lights that evoke “Neo Tokyo City.” The theme brings to mind the classic 1988 anime film Akira, which takes place in the year 2019 and was promoted with the tagline “Neo-Tokyo is about to explode.” According to Wikipedia, Neo Tokyo” is a common name for a fictional futuristic version of Tokyo often depicted in manga, anime, and video games.”

The Power of Black:

At first glance, the GA-140-BMC-1AER immediately captures our imagination with its sleek and formidable appearance. Drawing inspiration from the urban streetwear scene, this model exudes an air of confidence and undeniable style. The bold black color scheme, synonymous with the G-Shock legacy, creates a striking contrast against the vibrant red accents, resulting in a timepiece that demands attention.

Digital Meets Analog:

One of the defining features of the GA-140-BMC-1AER is its unique hybrid display. This model elegantly combines the best of both worlds, blending analog and digital elements seamlessly. The three-dimensional hands, coated in luminous material, effortlessly glide across the dial, ensuring optimal legibility in any lighting condition. Meanwhile, the digital display offers a wealth of information, including time, date, and a handy stopwatch feature.

Unmatched Durability:

As with all G-Shock timepieces, the GA-140-BMC-1AER excels in durability, making it an ideal companion for the adventurous at heart. Its robust construction incorporates Casio’s signature shock resistance technology, providing protection against impacts and vibrations. The watch is also water-resistant up to 200 meters, ensuring reliability in the face of the elements.

Breitling Avenger Hurricane 24hr (50mm) Review :

June 11, 2023 by TomBoyNI

Breitling Avenger Hurricane 24hr (50mm) Review :

Breitling Avenger Hurricane Key Features

Introduction :

Welcome to the world of extreme horology, where precision meets adventure. Today, we delve into the realm of high-performance timepieces with the remarkable Breitling Avenger Hurricane 24hr (50mm). Designed to withstand the most demanding conditions, this exceptional watch combines rugged durability with extraordinary technical prowess. Join us as we embark on a thrilling journey exploring the remarkable features and design elements that make this timepiece a true force to be reckoned with.

Design :

The Breitling Avenger Hurricane 24hr (50mm) exemplifies the brand’s commitment to robustness and resilience. Its imposing 50mm case is crafted from a revolutionary material known as Breitlight®. This innovative high-tech composite is not only incredibly lightweight but also significantly more resistant to scratches, corrosion, and magnetic fields compared to traditional materials like stainless steel. The result is a watch that can handle the most demanding environments without compromising on comfort.

The dial of the Hurricane Avenger is a masterclass in legibility. The bold Arabic numerals and oversized hands, all treated with luminescent coating, ensure optimal readability even in low-light situations. The time is displayed in a 24-hour format, making it ideal for professionals who operate in time zones where the conventional 12-hour format may not suffice.

Technical Specifications :

The Avenger Hurricane 24hr (50mm) houses Breitling’s in-house Caliber B24, a self-winding mechanical movement renowned for its precision and reliability. With a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, this movement guarantees accurate timekeeping throughout extended adventures. The watch also boasts chronometer certification from COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), a testament to its exceptional accuracy.

Water-resistant to an astounding 100 meters (330 feet), the Avenger Hurricane fearlessly takes on water-related activities without missing a beat. The non-screw-locked crown and two gaskets ensure water ingress is kept at bay, providing peace of mind during aquatic endeavours.

TBNI.Blog Social Media Needs Your Help :

November 28, 2023March 29, 2023 by TomBoyNI

TBNI.Blog Social Media Needs Your Help :

Facebook Thumbs Down Image — TBNI.Blog Social Media Needs Your Help

The TBNI.Blog Social Media Accounts can be found on :

Facebook : TBNI.Blog : Motorcycling / Technology / Photography
Instagram : TBNI.Blog
Twitter : TomBoyNI

TBNI.Blog promotes and advertises all road racing motorcycling events in the UK, Ireland and Isle of Man for free. Other events such as the Ulster Superbikes are also promoted for free.

The TBNI.Blog Road racing Calendar is also a completely free and secure resource available on the site and is easily imported to your own personal calendar on your phone / tablet /computer.

The Road Racing Calendar is, by far, the most used resource on this site with it being in the top 5 lists on Google of the query ‘Irish Road Racing Calendar 2023‘

TBNI.Blog Irish Road Racing Calendar 2023 Google Results

Posts promoting road racing events constitute the huge proportion of this site’s content and each post is also promoted on at least the Facebook Page.

That is where the problem lies. Facebook, Meta and Twitter simply do not share our posts in a fair way.

The Facebook Page has in excess of 1k followers and likes yet, for example, the post promoting the first round of the Ulster Superbike Championship was shared with only 40 people! Facebook let 4% of our followers see that post. They then, very kindly, offered me the opportunity to have 1200 people see the post for £14. So, to get the message out to slightly more than those who have chosen to follow the page the Meta company expects £14 – and that won’t even be the entire 1k+ who actually wanted to follow the Page!