Latest news with #Currys
Scotsman
9 hours ago
- General
- Scotsman
Survey reveals 51% in Scotland admit to asking a neighbour to keep it down as noisy neighbours named No.1 most irritating sound
Loud music, shouting, stomping feet, and banging doors—while these may be everyday sounds to some, they're a living nightmare for others. A new survey reveals that more than 6 in 10 (63%) of people in Scotland find noisy neighbours to be the most irritating sound. From gorgeous Georgian town houses to jaw-dropping penthouses, converted campervans to bargain boltholes. Take a peek at the finest homes across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The study, conducted by electronics and tech retailer Currys surveyed 2,000 people across the UK to uncover the nation's biggest noise-related grievances and right after noisy neighbours, the next most annoying sound is screaming children as 62% of Scots say this annoys them. While noisy neighbours and their screaming children are 'other people's noise,' snoring—the third most annoying noise—isn't as easy to deal with, as it's probably your partner's fault. That sound annoys more than half (56%) of Scots. Top 10 most annoying sounds according to Scots Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Currys Rank Sounds % of Scots that find it annoying 1 Noisy neighbours 63% 2 Children screaming 61% 3 Snoring 56% 4 Car alarms/House alarms 53% 5 Construction sounds (e.g., jackhammers, drills) 49% 6 Loud chewing 47% 7 Cutlery squeaking/scraping on a plate 47% 8 Other people's music (e.g., from phones or headphones in public) 45% 9 Dog barking 42% 10 Slurping 41% Car and home alarms landed just after snoring on the annoying top list, with more than half (53%) of Scots agreeing it annoys them, followed by construction sounds—a noise nuisance for nearly half of Scots (49%). Other top offenders include loads of eating-related sounds like loud chewing and slurping, along with an old-time classic—cutlery squeaking on a plate. Dogs barking and people playing their music too loud also made the top 10 list. 83% of people in Scotland say excessive noise negatively impacts their physical health The findings highlight a serious issue: nearly a quarter of people in the country (24%) say they suffer from stress and anxiety due to high noise levels where they live, while a staggering 83% believe it also negatively impacts their physical health. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But Scots aren't simply suffering in silence. More than half (51%) admit to asking a neighbour or local business to 'keep it down,' while more than 1 in 10 (14%) have gone a step further by filing an official noise complaint with their local council. The survey results align with recent official figures, as the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health (CIEH) recorded 356,367 noise complaints across 144 local authorities in England in its most recent study—an average of 149 complaints per 10,000 people. Too loud to sleep, read, or even watch TV According to the survey,79% of Scots believe noise has a definite negative impact on their mood. Unsurprisingly, sleep disruption is the most frustrating consequence of noise (62%), as interrupted sleep can lead to increased heart rate, heightened stress, difficulty falling back asleep, and reduced focus the next day. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Beyond sleep, 4 in 10 (40%) of people say they hate noise interruptions when they're trying to read, more than a third (36%) when at the cinema, and slightly less people (34%) find noise disturbing when they are watching TV. Noise also affects productivity, with 15% of respondents in the region saying it disrupts studying and exams, while 10% report that it interferes with work. Music to the ears: rain, fire and the sound of silence A 2021 study with 59 participants found that working in silence resulted in the lowest cognitive load and stress, compared to working with speech or background noise. The Currys survey is further proof that people long for silence: more than half (51%) of respondents in Scotland listed it as the most enjoyable sound. The only sound they love slightly more is rainfall, with over half (52%) saying they find it enjoyable. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Top 10 most enjoyable sounds according to Scottish residents Rank Sounds % of Scots that find it enjoyable 1 Rainfall 52% 2 Silence 51% 3 Crackling fire 48% 4 Birdsong 46% 5 Crashing waves 39% 6 Green noise (a steady gentle hum or rumble, a natural sound like wind or ocean waves) 38% 7 The wind 37% 8 Cats purring 36% 9 Leaves rustling 32% 10 Water bubbling 30%
Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Amazon's 'large and robust' smartwatch worth £70 now £38 in sale
Shoppers said they had 'no regrets' when buying this 'rugged and sporty' timepiece Amazon shoppers have been heaping praise on a smartwatch that is on offer for almost half of its usual £70 price tag during a sale. People loved the fact that its design was ideal for "adventurers, athletes and professionals" alike. The LIGE Tactical Fitness Tracker Watch normally costs £69.99, but there is a deal on with Amazon where shoppers can order themselves this watch for £37.78 - a discount of 46%. All options come with two interchangeable straps, one metal and one silicone. The "rugged" watch boasts being put through "a series of rigorous military-grade tests", including extreme temperatures, low atmospheric pressure, and drilling, to "ensure reliability in harsh environments" as well as day-to-day life. Amazon also claims that the fully customisable device can stay powered on for up to 10 days after just two hours of charging. At a fraction of the price of an Apple Watch or FitBit, shoppers can call, text, and receive social media notifications. As an added bonus, the watch doubles as a flashlight, with one built into the side of the device. With fitness and health at its core, the watch allows easy tracking of more than 100 different sports and compiles "comprehensive" real-time health data from workouts. It also tracks steps, heart rate, blood oxygen, and sleep quality. Wearers can also get reminders to move and hydration alerts to help develop healthy habits. Similar devices are on the market for people wanting an affordable way into the smartwatch world without spending hundreds of pounds. For example, Sports Direct is offering this Karrimor Smart Watch (£19.99, down from £49.99) and the Reflex Active Series 23 Smart Watch from Currys (£39.99). But, the Amazon offer had dozens of glowing reviews from other shoppers who had "no regrets" over their purchase. One said: "My favorite [strap] is the one that is made of steel, which is not common and really heps this watch stand out. Comfortable, smooth and pleasant to wear." Another added: "This watch is perfect in many ways. A great-sized face, amazing battery life and packed with lots of functions - the torch is so handy." A third wrote: "Great watch with good features. Easy to use and a nice big display. The strap is very easy to change and the watch is easy to use." There were some critics though, like one shopper who claimed the 47mm screen was "laughably large" and another suggested that their watch "won't react to movement." And, a third warned others: "The heart rate fluctuates completely inaccurately when running between 90 and 190. It is good for everyday use, but not for sport" However, the overall thoughts seem to be positive with more glowing reviews offering five stars. One of those shared: "At first glance, you see a large and robust watch that gives a very good image. It seems that they have put a lot of care into the details. Not only is it ideal for personal use, but it's a gift that stands out." Another person who was pleased with the device said: "An ultra-sturdy and versatile watch, ideal for adventurers, athletes and professionals." And, one more added: "I fully charged it and after 24 hours of normal use I still had more than 90% left, while I thought that I should charge it every day like my phone."
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Urgent recall issued on popular holiday travel gadget sold at Argos, Currys and Amazon due to fire risk
Anyone who owns the products has been told to stop using them immediately TOTAL RECALL Urgent recall issued on popular holiday travel gadget sold at Argos, Currys and Amazon due to fire risk Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A TRAVEL gadget popular with holidaymakers has been urgently recalled over a fire risk. Anker power banks are at risk of catching on fire as their batteries can overheat while in use, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has warned. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Popular Anker power banks have been recalled over a fire risk The gadgets are sold at high street stores including Currys and Argos, as well as on Amazon. Three models of the Anker power banks have been recalled. This includes the Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, 30W, Built-In USB-C and Lightning Cable), the Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, 30W, Built-In USB-C Cable) and the Anker Power Bank (20,000mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable). Anyone who owns these products has been told to stop using them immediately. The products do not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, it has been warned. The lithium-ion batteries in the portable chargers can overheat while in use, which can cause smoke, melting or even fire, according to the OPSS. Addressing the recall, Anker said on its website: "Earlier this year, Anker implemented a series of enhanced quality assurance protocols designed to detect manufacturing issues earlier in the production cycle. "These safeguards—including expanded component-level audits and supplier testing—helped us identify a potential issue with common, lithium-ion battery cells from a single vendor. "While the likelihood of malfunction is considered minimal, out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to initiate a voluntary global recall of several Anker power bank models. "We have formally notified and are coordinating with regulatory authorities in all regions to ensure the recall is conducted in compliance with all applicable local guidelines." Daily Money News It comes after the Anker 321 Power Bank (PowerCore 5K, Black) A1112 was recalled last month, also due to a fire risk. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
North Wales Live
4 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Currys shoppers snapping up bargain Roku Smart TV for £122 thanks to payday deal
Bargain hunters seeking an affordable television ahead of payday could be onto a winner as we've spotted an excellent offer at Currys. The JVC Roku Smart TV is presently priced at £149.99 following a clever £30 price drop at Currys - though a fresh deal combination could slash the cost further. Via TopCashback, customers can secure an additional £15 off the television, incorporating cashback to reduce the price even more. This JVC model features a full HD 1080p display with a stunning HDR screen. Both bright and dim elements of each scene are perfectly balanced when viewers watch HDR content. Freeview Play comes as standard, alongside three HDMI connections for linking set-top boxes, gaming consoles, and additional gadgets. Customers can also operate their television using voice commands - it's compatible with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, reports the Express. For those looking for alternatives, the Samsung 50-inch TV is available for £309. It boasts a 4.1-star rating from reviewers and has been praised as 'easy to set up' with 'great build quality'. One shopper noted: "Very good price and great features and built quality." Shoppers could also consider a Sky Glass Gen 2 for those wanting to upgrade without a hefty upfront cost. Prices start from £14 a month across 48months or £699 up front, and plans start at £15. But how can shoppers claim the cashback offer on the JVC television? Here's a breakdown of how shoppers can take advantage of the offer through TopCashback with a handy step-by-step guide: In total, new members of TopCashback will pay £122.49 after cashback. For existing members of TopCashback, shoppers will pay £137.49 after cashback. Despite its affordable price tag, the Roku TV has received high praise from customers. One satisfied customer shared: "Excellent product, very easy to set up and connect to the internet. My old TV, which was a JVC, packed up after 12 years, so I went for the same make again. I am very pleased with the new one. "It is exactly what I wanted: easy and simple to use. I would certainly recommend it, and I would have no hesitation in buying it again." However, some customers expressed dissatisfaction with the Freeview feature. One disgruntled buyer stated: "I don't like the way it has Freeview. You can't seem to scroll through channels; you only pick one channel at a time. It's so annoying. All you have to do to sign up is open a Roku account, etc. Thank goodness I have my cable to just browse through channels."
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Get an Apple MacBook for £129 in latest Wowcher deal - here's how
For tech lovers who want to treat themselves to an Apple MacBook Air but can't justify some of the prices, this deal could suit For tech shoppers who've been eyeing up an Apple MacBook Air but can't stomach the hefty price tag, Wowcher has cut prices on a range of refurbished models. Despite being discontinued, shoppers can get a MacBook Air 13-inch for £129 in a Wowcher deal. Boasting a 'powerful' Intel Core i5 Processor, the 1.8GHz dual-core is touted to deliver seamless multitasking and speedy performance. With 4GB of RAM, users can run multiple apps and browser tabs without any lag. The £129 MacBook also offers 128GB of flash storage for essential files, photos, and media with quick access speeds. It's not the newest MacBook at all, so users shouldn't expect flagship speeds, but it offers a budget solution for paperwork, and basic internet scrolling. It comes with two USB 3 ports, a Thunderbolt port, a MagSafe 2 power port, and up to 7 hours of battery life with wireless web use, and 30 days on standby. If you're conscious about paying an upfront cost of a new Apple MacBook, but you aren't keen on Wowcher's refurbished older aged device. Sky could be an option as the trailer has £2 upfront costs on the 2025 MacBook Air. Sky customers would pay £2 first and then lock into a £22 per month cost on a fixed 48-month contract. Alternatively, Currys has knocked down the price of this ASUS Vivobook 15 OLED X1505VA 15.6" Laptop to £299 from £499. It features Windows 11 with a full HD OLED screen and up to 12 hours of battery life. Features of the refurbished Wowcher MacBook: 720p FaceTime HD Camera: Clear video calls and online meetings. Slim & Lightweight Design: Easily portable for travel, commutes, or remote work setups. Refurbished in Good Condition: May show minor wear but fully tested for reliable performance. Eco-Friendly Choice: Reduce electronic waste by choosing refurbished. According to Wowcher, the laptop is 'refurbished to a good standard' with 'minor cosmetic signs of use'. To snag the deal, simply select your preferred specification via the purchase link reports the Liverpool Echo. Then, you'll receive an email confirmation with your voucher code and redemption instructions. Next, redeem your voucher on the Stop and Shop website using your code. What else do I need to know about Wowcher's deal? Is this MacBook Air new or refurbished? This is a refurbished device in good condition with some signs of previous use. Does it come with macOS installed? The laptop is supplied with a clean installation of macOS ready to use. What warranty is included? Please refer to the retailer's warranty policy for specific terms on refurbished units. Is the battery health guaranteed? Batteries are tested to ensure functionality, but may show normal wear consistent with refurbished products. If I have issues after delivery, what should I do? If your device arrives damaged or faulty, contact support within seven days for assistance or return options.
