The Grangemouth refinery, Scotland's last remaining oil refinery, has officially ceased processing crude oil, marking the end of an era for the industrial site that has been operational since 1924. Petroineos, the owner of the refinery, confirmed the transition to an import terminal for finished fuels, a move announced in September last year with operations expected to cease by 2025. The company has invested £50 million in transforming the site into a modern import and distribution terminal, ensuring the continued supply of transport fuels to Scotland.

The closure of the refinery has raised concerns over employment in the Grangemouth area, with hundreds of workers accepting voluntary redundancy and others facing compulsory job losses. Discussions between Petroineos and the governments in Edinburgh and London have focused on the future of the site, including potential investments in low-carbon energy projects. However, the transition has been met with criticism, with some describing it as 'industrial vandalism' and calling for more support for the affected workforce.

Petroineos has defended its decision, citing the refinery's daily losses of £380,000 and the unsustainable nature of its operations. The company has also dismissed suggestions that the site could easily transition into a hub for sustainable aviation fuel production. Despite the challenges, Petroineos has praised the resilience and professionalism of its workforce during the transition period, ensuring the security of fuel supply across Scotland.

The UK Government has pledged £200 million to support the Grangemouth area, with hopes of attracting additional private investment. However, calls have been made for greater transparency and urgency in deploying these funds, particularly in light of the Acorn Carbon Capture project's delayed progress. As Grangemouth embarks on its new chapter as an import terminal, the focus remains on securing a sustainable future for the site and its surrounding community.

Nothing, the tech brand known for its distinctive design and innovative products, is set to launch its first over-ear headphones, the Headphone 1, on July 1, 2025. Alongside the Phone (3), the Headphone 1 aims to blend retro aesthetics with cutting-edge audio technology, marking Nothing's bold entry into the competitive over-ear market. The headphones feature a unique design inspired by Walkman and cassette aesthetics, combined with high-end technology, promising to spark conversations and possibly establish a new aesthetic category in audio devices.

Leaked specifications reveal that the Headphone 1 is equipped with 40mm drivers tuned by KEF, offering premium sound quality that could rival established competitors like Sony and Bose. Features such as adaptive bass enhancement, spatial audio, and an 8-band custom EQ, along with support for AAC, SBC, and LDAC codecs, position the Headphone 1 as a strong contender in the premium audio segment. Additionally, the headphones boast Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) up to 42dB and a transparency mode, enhancing the listening experience.

The Headphone 1 is powered by a 1,040mAh battery, promising up to 80 hours of playback with ANC off and 35 hours with ANC on, based on AAC codec usage. A quick 5-minute charge can provide up to 5 hours of playback, making it a convenient option for users on the go. Other notable features include Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, dual device connection, and personal sound profiles, offering a seamless and customizable audio experience.

Priced at $400, the Headphone 1 undercuts its main competitors by about $50, making it an attractive option for audio enthusiasts and tech-savvy consumers. With its unique design, advanced features, and competitive pricing, the Nothing Headphone 1 is poised to make a significant impact in the premium audio market. As the launch date approaches, potential buyers and tech reviewers alike are eagerly awaiting the official release and comprehensive reviews to see if the Headphone 1 lives up to the hype.