Latest news with #Lyma
WIRED
19-04-2025
- WIRED
Beats Cables, Skullcandy ANC Headphones, and a Severance Keyboard—Your Gear News of the Week
Plus: Apple will employ user data to improve Apple Intelligence, Comcast has a 5-year price lock, and a new laser skin-care tool arrives in the US. Photograph: Lyma, Atomic, Julian Chokkattu; Getty Images If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. Learn more. Most people don't associate Skullcandy—known for its plasticky skull-and-crossbones aesthetic—with premium audio. Skullcandy admitted as much at a launch event this week in New York City. Since its inception in 2003, it has aimed at (and impressively captured) the wallets of cash-strapped suburban punks across America with low prices, punchy colors, heavy bass, and skulls. That's why its new $100 noise-canceling headphones are both exciting and ironic—they're made in collaboration with Bose, a company known best as the business-class choice for the parents of Skullcandy kids. The Method 360 ANC offer similar noise canceling to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra in a similar design, but with a larger charging case (good for 32 hours of battery life with ANC on) and slightly larger earbuds. It's a 'we'll dumb this down for Junior' approach that I'd love to see employed more in affordable products. Photograph: Julian Chokkattu In my limited time with the headphones so far, I've been impressed with the noise canceling and audio quality, even with stiff competition from Google, JLab, and others in the sub-$100 space. They have multipoint pairing and a nine-hour battery life with ANC on, which is excellent for a full day of work. The one downside? Putting the buds back in the charging case is a bit of a pain at first—for whatever reason, they snap magnetically into the case upside down. That's not much of a deal-breaker to me, and I look forward to more testing before our upcoming review. Alongside the Method 360 ANC, available now for $100, the company unveiled several other new audio products at its NYC event set to arrive throughout the year, from the Crusher 540 Active workout headphones to the revived Aviator 900 ANC and open-earbud Push 720 Open. Oh, and Tony Hawk was there—he's the brand ambassador for the new Method 360. — Parker Hall A Keyboard That Won't Let You Force Quit Photograph: Atomic Keyboard If you've ever longed to join the Macrodata Refinement team at Lumon Industries, you'll be excited to hear that Atomic Keyboard has unveiled a real-life limited edition Severance keyboard. Called the MDR Dasher, this mechanical keyboard is modeled after the Data General Dasher 200 terminal from the late '70s, the same unit that inspired the show's production design team. There's no Escape, Control, or Option keys—because, well, there is no escape. It's a cold grid of 73 chunky keys with a 70 percent keyboard layout. The bulky, aluminum case is dressed in shades of industrial blue, with an off-white frame that looks like it's been sitting in a forgotten department since the '80s. Instead of a mouse pad, there's a tactile trackball beside a cross-shaped directional pad. There's no practical need for a keyboard like this in 2025, but it's a cheeky collector's item for fans of the Apple TV+ series. The MDR Dasher will be compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux via USB-C. Atomic Keyboard isn't clear on the price yet (it says $399, but the price is crossed off, and it notes that final pricing is to be determined), and there's no release date, but you can sign up for email alerts on its site. —Boutayna Chokrane Apple Will Train Its AI on User Data Photograph: Julian Chokkattu This week, Apple says it will begin analyzing user data to improve its artificial intelligence models, a move widely seen as a means for the company to catch up to rivals like OpenAI and Google. Instead of relying on synthetic training models, Apple will use anonymized customer data to check the work of its synthetic data and improve it. The data is aggregated, so Apple isn't collecting emails or texts but instead tracking 'trends in real user data' to compare with results from synthetic data. It only applies to users who have opted in to Device Analytics and will roll out in iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, and macOS 15.5. This will upgrade the quality of artificial-intelligence text-generation features like Writing Tools and summarizations, though it's unclear how quickly we'll see improvements. Apple's new-and-improved Siri was supposed to be here by now—a part of the broader Apple Intelligence rollout—but instead we're left with a marginally souped-up Siri that can tap into OpenAI's ChatGPT. That's about it. A few weeks ago, the company delayed the version of Siri it promised last year, one that can understand your personal context. It's now expected to arrive in 2026. A Laser-Powered Skin-Care Tool Arrives in the US The Lyma Laser Pro has officially launched in the US this week for a cool $5,995. First released in Europe last year, the at-home, FDA-cleared skin-care tool has racked up a wait list of over 16,000 Americans, which the company says translates to more than $100 million in sales. What does it do? The Laser Pro uses near-infrared cold laser technology to boost collagen production to address wrinkles, cellulite, redness, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and post-surgical recovery. Triple the size and power of the original Lyma Laser, the Pro delivers a continuous 808-nanometer laser beam at 1,450 milliwatts—deep enough to penetrate 10 centimeters into the dermis. Lyma claims visible results in 30 days if you stick to three minutes a day. What's more fascinating is that, unlike LED light therapy, this laser works over sun protection factor (SPF) or makeup without (supposedly) losing efficacy. I'm currently testing it—stay tuned for the full review. —Boutayna Chokrane Comcast Has a Price-Lock Guarantee A few weeks ago, Verizon announced a three-year price lock for customers, citing rising prices in a challenging economic climate. Now, Comcast is following suit. This week, the company announced a five-year price guarantee if you subscribe to a new Xfinity Internet package, which includes a Wi-Fi router/modem and unlimited data, starting at $55 per month and going up to $105 depending on the plan. That also includes a free Xfinity Mobile line for one year. Comcast claims there's no annual contract, so you're free to cancel it at any time with no penalty. Like all of these price lock initiatives, there are caveats. It applies only to new residential customers, and you're limited to 400 Mbps internet. You have to enroll in paperless billing and autopay or you'll pay extra, and there could be equipment-installation and other fees. If you downgrade the service, regular rates will apply. The promotion ends June 23. Beats Now Makes USB-C Cables Beats is getting into the cable business. Announced this week, the Apple-owned brand is launching Beats Cables, including USB-A to USB-C, USB-C to USB-C, and USB-C to Lightning varieties. The reinforced cables come in a 20-cm size in Bolt Black (AKA black) as well as 1.5 meters in signature Beats colors like Surge Stone, Nitro Navy, and Rapid Red (available this summer). The stylish cables provide data transfer at USB 2.0 rates and fast charging at up to 60 watts for the USB-C version, or 15 watts for the USB-A to USB-C cable. They're available now at Beats' site and Apple's site and stores, starting at $19 for a single or $35 for a two-pack. — Ryan Waniata
Telegraph
09-03-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Are expensive supplements worth the money?
There have never been more supplements on the supermarket shelves, or in our kitchen cupboards, as millions of us strive for better health and hope to achieve it through consuming a pill or powder. Around two-thirds of adults in the UK take some form of supplement – that's the equivalent of 81 million supplements a day. Made by isolating nutrients from plants and animals, whether we're looking for improved immunity, increased energy or better sleep, it's easy to treat supplements as medicines. But they're not, and they're not regulated like medicines either. In the UK, food supplements are regulated under the Food Supplements (England) Regulations 2003, which align with EU and UK food laws. They must comply with general food safety legislation and cannot make misleading health claims. But, unlike medicines, supplements are not as strictly regulated and do not undergo the same rigorous testing. So while most supplements should be safe, whether or not they do what they say on the tin is another question. The fact that what's available online might be from abroad and outside UK and EU rules, alongside the statistic that four in five consumers never check the ingredients label anyway, and you might be wondering just how to tell if that pricey supplement you picked up is going to do you any good at all… Does price make a difference? How do I know what supplements I should take? How do I choose a high quality supplement? Are pills, gummies, sprays or lotions the best way to take supplements? What should I avoid in a supplement? What fillers are used in supplements and are they bad for me? Does price make a difference? First things first – are pricey supplements the answer? The marketing of some luxury supplements – think Lyma, where a 30-day supply of their signature supplement aimed at improving sleep, lowering stress and increasing skin and hair health costs £199 – suggests more money spent means a more effective supplement. But prices for what seem to be the same product can vary wildly. Take magnesium as an example. At Holland & Barrett, a bottle of 30 tablets containing 375mg per tablet costs £3.99, or 13p per tablet. If you choose Inessa Magnesium, you'll get 60 capsules containing 153mg per capsule for £24.99 – working out at around 42p per tablet, for less than half the dose. These pills both contain slightly different combinations of types and sources of magnesium, so it depends on what you're looking for, and while sometimes, price point does indicate a better product, this is not always the case, insist the experts. 'Marketing plays a massive role in supplement pricing,' says Nichola Ludlam-Raine a registered specialist dietitian. 'This can create a perception that they are far superior to cheaper alternatives, even if the core ingredients are the same. 'In many cases, high street own-brand supplements can be just as effective as premium supplement brands. The key factors to consider are the ingredients, dosages, and third-party testing rather than branding alone. I often suggest my patients choose supermarket own brand supplements.' What are you paying for when you buy more expensive supplements? When you buy premium supplements, you're often paying for branding and marketing. 'Luxury supplement brands invest heavily in high-end packaging, influencer partnerships, and advertising.' These, of course, make no difference to how good the product is. But there are other reasons too. 'Some premium brands use patented or trademarked versions of vitamins and minerals,' explains Ludlam-Raine, which may have enhanced bioavailability (better absorption) or research backing, and are therefore worthwhile. 'High-end brands may combine multiple beneficial ingredients into one formula, such as added adaptogens, nootropics, or probiotics, which could be worth paying extra for, if you want them.' She explains: 'Some premium brands undergo more rigorous third-party testing to ensure purity, potency, and absence of contaminants.' But as with any supplement, you must check if this is the case – don't assume that the price point means these tests have been done. 'If a high-street supplement has the same form and dosage of an active ingredient as a luxury brand, it can be just as effective,' says Ludlam-Raine. 'Ultimately, it's important to read labels, check dosages, and choose reputable brands rather than relying solely on price as an indicator of quality.' How do I know what supplements I should take? 'The NHS recommends most people should get their nutrients from food, but some groups may need supplements, including those where a health care professional has said that there is a deficiency – which can be determined via a blood test,''explains Ludlam-Raine. Ludlam-Raine recommends following the NHS advice on vitamin D, folic acid, calcium, vitamin B12, iodine, iron, and omega-3 in particular. Vitamin D Everyone should supplement with vitamin D daily during the winter months (taking 10mcg/400IU from October to March), or all year round if you are: pregnant or breastfeeding, over 65, have darker skin or spend very little time outdoors. Folic acid If you are pregnant, have diabetes, a BMI over 30, or take certain epilepsy medications, you should supplement with folic acid. Take 5mg daily at least three months before pregnancy and for the first 12 weeks to prevent neural tube defects, or take 5mg daily if you belong to any of the other groups mentioned. Vitamin B12, calcium, iron, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids Vegans and those who avoid animal products may want to consider taking a supplement that provides these nutrients, which are not available from non-animal products. If you're unsure, speak to a GP, pharmacist, or registered dietitian before taking supplements How to choose a high quality supplement 1. Look for a clear ingredient list 'The ingredients list should be transparent and detailed,' says Dr Amos Ogunkoya, a GP and sports and exercise medic. It should include the specific form of the vitamins and minerals included, as well as the amount. (For example, if your supplement contains vitamin A as beta-carotene, that is safe in pregnancy – whereas vitamin A in the form of retinol is not, points out Ludlam-Raine.) 2. Check the dose is correct 'Staying with the NHS guidance on upper limits is key,' says Ludlam-Raine. The recommended limits are listed on their website. Equally, check if there is actually a reasonable amount of your recommended daily allowance in the supplement, says Dr Ogunkoya – something might highlight a certain popular vitamin or mineral on the front of the packet but contain a relatively small amount, he warns. 3. Choose an evidence-based formulation This means its claims have been third-party tested or the dosage matches what's proven in clinical studies, advises Dr Ogunkoya, as well as that the nutrients are present in their most bioavailable form, says Ludlam-Raine. 'For example, there are two forms of vitamin D available in supplements: D3 and D2. Both can help correct vitamin D deficiency, but most doctors recommend D3 because it is slightly more active and therefore slightly more effective,' she says. 4. Check the certificate of analysis of the products This means it has been lab-tested to prove that it meets the criteria advertised on the ingredients list. It should be on the supplement website – if not, email and ask about it, says Dr Ogunkoya. 5. Look for a mark of regulation In the UK, look for products registered with the Food Standard Agency, says Ludlam-Raine, or the very few registered with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Another worthwhile thing to look at is whether it has an Informed Sport logo, which assures professional athletes that the product is regularly tested for banned substances as well as meeting top-quality standards, says Dr Ogunkoya, who also works with an app called SafeSupp which allows consumers to scan supplement labels to assess the quality of their ingredients. Also look for: 6. Absorption-enhancing combinations Some vitamins and minerals enhance each other, while others reduce absorption, says Ludlam-Raine. So good combined products to look for include vitamin D and calcium (vitamin D aids calcium absorption); vitamin C and iron (vitamin C boosts iron absorption, especially if the iron is from a plant-based source); and magnesium and vitamin D (magnesium helps activate vitamin D in the body). 7. Money-back guarantees 'You'll find trustworthy brands stand behind their products,' says Dr Ogunkoya. 'They don't want to lose money, so offering a guarantee on a supplement should show they are confident it will be effective, and safe.' Are pills, gummies, sprays or lotions the best way to take supplements? As well as a huge variety of supplements on the market, there is an ever-widening and increasingly inventive array of forms they come in. Whether you prefer to take them as pills, capsules, sprays, or gummies – all can be effective, but some are better absorbed than others, says Ludlam-Raine: Sprays are good for vitamin D (absorbed via the mouth). Gummies may contain added sugars and fewer active ingredients. Capsules can be easier to swallow than tablets. Patches and skin creams are generally less reliable for nutrient absorption. What should I avoid in a supplement? 1. Avoid 'megadoses' You can have too much of a good thing. 'Some vitamins (A, D, E, K) are fat-soluble and can build up in the body, leading to toxicity,' says Ludlam-Raine. 'Excess iron should also be avoided unless prescribed.' 2. Watch out for proprietary blends These are combined supplements where the exact nutrient amounts aren't listed. It's a bit like KFC's secret blend of herbs and spices, but what the colonel does to stop competitors copying his flavour may, when it comes to supplements, be done to 'hide' what's actually in the supplement and use cheaper ingredients and less beneficial doses, says Dr Ogunkoya. 3. Poor bioavailability 'Some cheap brands use forms of vitamins that aren't well absorbed, because it costs less,' says Ludlam-Raine. See vitamin D, above. Or in the case of calcium: 'Calcium citrate is better absorbed than calcium carbonate by approximately 22 to 27 per cent.' 4. Combinations that cancel each other out For example, iron and calcium. Calcium blocks iron absorption, so take them separately at different times, says Ludlam-Raine. 'If taking multiple supplements, space them out throughout the day to increase absorption or check with a healthcare professional.' 5. Avoid 'filler' ingredients These are often found in cheaper supplements to pad out to mix. Examples include maltodextrin, a type of artificial sugar, and guar gum, a thickening agent made from guar beans. What fillers are used in supplements, and are they bad for me? 'Fillers are added to supplements to help with stability, absorption, or to bulk out the tablet. In general, small amounts of additives are not harmful to health in the context of a healthy diet,' says Ludlam-Raine. However, they don't add anything beneficial – and in some cases, taken in excess, can cause side effects, says Dr Ogunkoya. So how do you recognise a filler? Look out for names such as magnesium stearate (a salt which in high amounts can have laxative effects and impact nutrient absorption), silicon dioxide (a compound of silicon and oxygen, little crystals of which are used as an anti-caking agent), maltodextrin (a binder and artificial sugar which can have a negative influence on the gut microbiome), guar gum (a thickener made from gel-forming fibres within guar beans) and more.
