The Australian-based designer and producer of inventive bags, cases, and tech accessories has unveiled its use of augmented reality (AR) at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
At the world’s preeminent exhibition of new products and technologies CES2018, STM Brands has showcased the latest products from the parent company’s two arms, STM Goods and Element Case. They’ll use groundbreaking technology to give consumers an entirely new way to explore the features and benefits of their backpacks and mobile phonecases. We have been reviewing and using STM products for some time now and find their products notable and also robust and they last well and in fact serve us well still to this day.
Using computer-generated sound, video, and graphics to enhance a real-world setting, AR creates an interactive “experience” for the user.
“AR will change the way people interact with our products,” said STM Brands chief executive Ethan Nyholm. “Backpacks have traditionally been one of the toughest products to showcase in stores, unless a trained salesperson is there to demonstrate the special aspects of the merchandise which typically isn’t the case. Now, thanks to AR, individual customers can see a demonstration of a product’s key features come to life before their eyes.”
AR is also the ideal way to exhibit and explain the intricacies of Element Case products—premium protective cases for mobile phones that have numerous detailed features.
“Element Case is all about advanced engineering, high-grade materials and touches that maximise user convenience,” Nyholm said. “By bringing an interactive experience with the cases to the customer, we can take detailed and often complicated messaging about a product’s attributes and make it an easier-to-grasp, visual explanation.”
The STM augmented reality experience operates through a specially-created app that customers can download from iTunes. Different apps have been created for the STM Goods and Element Case brands.
“Point of sale product marketing has always been about what you can print to make for an eye-catching display and how to support that with informative collateral” Nyholm said. “We’re leveraging today’s technology to go beyond what’s long been the expected in the shopping aisle and at the rack. It’s the future of marketing and we want to be at the cutting edge.”
PlayLink is the latest innovation exclusive to PS4, allowing players to use their smartphones and tablets without the need for multiple controllers. PlayLink games are designed to be played in a group setting, encouraging a truly fun and immersive multiplayer experience.
PlayLink brings more players into the games and allows for social gaming that everyone can enjoy. PlayLink games turn your smartphone or tablet into a versatile controller. Players can interact using their smart phone or tablet in unique ways with each title – tilt, tap, shake, swipe, sing and shout in this varied range of games, which are not only easy to jump into but also challenging enough for some serious game nights. The collection of PlayLink games vary from gritty crime thrillers to quick-fire quizzes. Simply download the free companion app to your smartphone or tablet and ensure your PS4 hooked up to a TV and you are ready to play.
With party season around the corner, these new PlayLink games are just the thing to liven up your parties, or break out during family gatherings. There’s a game to suit all occasions and can be enjoyed by all skill levels and ages – (as the PEGI ratings allow).
Find out who your friends really are!#ThatsYou is a #PlayLink party game you can play with your friends using your mobile device, and it's available at no extra charge for PlayStation Plus members right now. pic.twitter.com/B0YBTxsZRo
That’s You! is an audacious comedy quiz which challenges up to six friends to get personal and find out what you really think about each other. Featuring over 1,000 varied questions, participants can reveal their daring side by taking part in doodle challenges and snapping selfies.
Knowledge is Power is a game all about speed and accuracy in the face of some wickedly crafted distractions from your opponents. Participants must answer a variety of trivia questions to try and outsmart their opponents, with some fun power plays and challenges thrown in to keep everyone on their toes, this is a great game for social gatherings.
Hidden Agenda is a narrative-driven adventure that drops participants right into the centre of this chilling detective thriller, which is rife with moral dilemmas that may determine life or death. Up to six participants can join in to make tough decisions about how the story unfolds, but one participant will have a hidden agenda…
Frantics is an arcade-style game where up to four participants face off in a variety of challenges. Bluff, battle, negotiate and co-operate your way to victory, but beware – mischievous host The Fox is also on hand to stir things up.
SingStar Celebration
Whether it’s your birthday, Christmas, New Year’s Eve or even just a Saturday night – SingStar Celebration is the perfect playlist to any party, with up to eight players able to join in the fun. Use your SingStar mic or combine your smartphone to start belting out your favorite party classics.
PlayLink for PS4 games start from €19.99 RRP each and available from stockists nationwide.
The Award winning brand, which first revolutionised the portable speaker market with its X-mini Capsule Speakers, will introduce four new products in addition to its existing range launched in June last year. These include hybrid speaker headphones, X-mini EVOLVE 2, portable 360° 3D surround sound speaker, X-mini™ INFINITI S, and portable waterproof speakers, X-mini XOUNDBAR W and X-mini KAI X1 W.
The brand, which first burst onto the scene in 2007 with its iconic capsule speakers, revolutionised the industry with its designs, and kicked off an entire new product category globally called the portable speaker. It continues to do the same with products such as the hybrid speaker headphones X-mini EVOLVE series and the premium 360° 3D surround sound X-mini INFINITI series.
“There is an increasing consumption of music, and in a report released by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, streaming growth has increased steadily between 2012 and 2016, with a 60.4% increase between 2015 and 2016. As such, audio manufacturers need to keep up with the consumer need of having music wherever and whenever they want,” states Ryan Lee, Co-founder of X-mini™. “As market leaders in innovative audio design and engineering, we strive to break new grounds constantly and provide our users with great audio solutions that meets their lifestyles.”
X-mini™ INFINITI S
The X-mini™ INFINITI S is a portable 360° 3D surround sound speaker. Housing four drivers, one dedicated subwoofer, and built-in DPAC and DSP audio technologies, the X-mini™ INFINITI S is designed to disperse immersive high quality sound in all directions. With a compact form-factor and a removable genuine leather strap, enjoy added portability with the X-mini™ INFINITI S. It also comes with a HDMI port, that allows the speaker to be connected to home entertainment devices for high definition audio, and is an alternative to soundbars on the market. The X-mini™ INFINITI S comes with built-in USB Type-C port for fast-charging. The X-mini™ INFINITI S will be available in Q3 2018, at a suggested retail price of US $399.
X-mini™ EVOLVE 2
The second-generation X-mini™ EVOLVE 2 returns with improved design features. Dual Bluetooth and AUX-in connectivity provides added flexibility for constant music on-the-go. The versatile speaker headphones comes with a built-in swivel and leather ear pads with memory foam to improve noise isolation and give extra comfort. The hybrid speaker headphones features quad drivers, and a bass port for enhanced audio in speaker mode. The headset also includes aptX audio technology, for improved audio and video synchronisation over Bluetooth. The X-mini™ EVOLVE 2 will be available in Q2 2018, at a suggested retail price of US $149.
X-mini™ XOUNDBAR W
The X-mini™ XOUNDBAR W comes in a slim, pocket-designed form factor, making it easy to slip into the pocket. Housing dual 36mm audio drivers, enjoy full-range stereo sound with the X-mini™ XOUNDBAR W. It is an IPX7 waterproof certified ultra portable Bluetooth speaker, which can submerge in water for up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. The X-mini™ KAI X1 W also comes with a built-in camera mount, which can be fixed to a bicycle handle or tripod for a fuss-free outdoor audio experience. The X-mini™ XOUNDBAR W will be available in Q2 2018, at a suggested retail price of US $45.90.
X-mini™ KAI X1 W
The X-mini™ KAI X1 W comes with a large 50mm driver for quality sound beyond size. With an IPX7 waterproof certified rating, the portable speaker can be submerged underwater for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter. With an in-built camera mount, the X-mini™ KAI X1 W can be fixed to a bicycle handle or tripod for a fuss-free outdoor audio experience. The X-mini™ KAI X1 W will be available in Q2 2018, at a suggested retail price of US $54.90.
Swedish fuel cell company myFC is present at the world’s largest consumer technology show, CES. The company will showcase the world’s smallest fuel cell charger, JAQ Hybrid, as well as its development of a range extender for electric cars.
“Precisely a year ago, at CES 2017, we launched the world’s smallest fuel cell, LAMINA. Now we’re back with our first product on the LAMINA platform, JAQ Hybrid. The LAMINA cell is of course also at the heart of the range extender for electric cars we’re now developing,” says Björn Westerholm, CEO of myFC.
JAQ Hybrid is the world’s smallest fuel cell charger, able to both produce and store energy thanks to the coexistence of battery and fuel cell. It can be charged using myFC’s patented, green fuel, based on salt and water, as well as through a regular power outlet. Its promise is infinite power in your pocket, ending the experience of depleted smartphone batteries.
LAMINA Rex is a range extender for electric cars, currently under development by myFC. Built on the same LAMINA cell as the JAQ Hybrid, it may as much as double the range of a medium-sized electric car. MyFC aims to have a prototype of LAMINA Rex ready during 2018.
The Nextbase Duo HD cam is unique in a dash cam as comes with dual cameras with rotatable lenses for any angle front or back. This allows monitoring the road both ahead and behind at once. The accessories supplied are compatible with the complete range of dash cams.
See more detailed images during post.
This dash cam can ensure, if you witness a bad driver / accident on the road, in the front or back, this is recorded. The lens is unique as it can rotate to have both lens looking forward or to the side as required. The unit has a brushed aluminium front and solid, hardwearing plastic.
Features:
Dual Cameras with 180° Lens Rotation
Dual lens design allows viewing in any direction, the wide-angle lens to the front and zoom lens to the rear.
2.7″ LCD Colour Screen
LCD screen for ease of use and viewing the playback of recorded videos and photos.
Powered GPS Mount
Supplied with an Easy-fit powered mount, which allows the Dash Cam to be fitted and removed quickly and easily. The car power cable can remain in place, connected to the mount.
GPS Logger
GPS co-ordinates, date and time are recorded, the journey can then be viewed using the supplied software.
Windows & Mac playback software. The software is also available to download from www.nextbase.co.uk
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Connect your smartphone or tablet device to the Dash Cam; can be used to Start/Stop recording or to view or download files from the Dash Cam.
G Sensor / File Protection
In the event of an impact the device will automatically ‘protect’ the recording, stopping the file from being over-written. This can also be performed manually, by pressing the ‘protect’ button. Individual files can also be ‘protected’ when viewed within playback mode.
Parking Mode
The Dash Cam will power on automatically and make a protected recording, when physical movement of your vehicle is detected.
Click & Go GPS Magnetic Mounting:
The mounting as supplied with the dash cam is excellent allowing the power to be connected directly. The dash cam can then be removed from the bracket with one hand without touching any cables, the bracket is fitted with suction mount with built-in GPS receiver.
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Setup involves:
Insert an SD card, press a few set up instructions, plug in the (Extra-long) 12V cigarette lighter power cable, and suction mount on to the vehicles and you’re ready to record. The Nextbase has Automatic Start / Stop Technology which when the vehicle ignition is turned on, it starts to record automatically. Once the SD card is full of videos, rather than stopping, it is designed to overwrite the oldest file to the newest one. The time and date are automatically set upon the camera from satellite data, based on the country. Setup takes minutes.
There are 3 modes of camera operation – Video, Photo and Playback.
Video Mode: The default mode when the camera is turned on, for video recording.
Photo Mode: Allows you to take still photographs from the Wide-Angle lens camera.
Playback mode: Allows you to view recorded videos or photographs upon the dash cam’s LCD screen.
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Play back:
Playback can be done via the 2.7″ LCD screen via the menu. Files of approx. 245 MB for 3-minute clips as .mov clips, or 2.4 hours are stored on a 32 GB SD card. They can be played on computers by many video players or use the Nextbase software (CD supplied) via Wi-Fi or download. File name ending with FR for the front camera and RE for rear camera. The Nextbase Duo HD does not come with an SD card, but cards can be purchased, e.g. Nextbase 32 GB microSD card (which can be used in all Nextbase dash cams), Generic SD cards can be used but would recommend using a good quality microSD card.
Nextbase Duo HD features built in Wi-Fi, allows downloading / share footage onto your mobile phone or tablet using the Nextbase Cam Viewer app (available on IOS & Android). This footage can be shared to Social media / insurance firms or the police.
Compare
Taxi drivers often use dash cams but use these to face backwards to their passengers to record anti-social behaviour. This has the result should an accident happen outside the vehicle they have no record of this. The choice is not should a professional driver use a dash cam, rather which make and model for their budget or their requirements.
The Nextbase Duo HD has recording at full 1080p HD on each rotatable lens for enhanced picture quality day and night. This is suitable for most vehicles & drivers whether professional or your average driver (while the budget may exclude some average drivers use.). The front lens has a 140° wide angle lens which allows recording of the entire road with the option on the 50m zoom to cover the rear or turn to the side as required.
If this dash cam is used to reduce your insurance premium, catch poor drivers for social media, improve your own driver, this cam has the quality, GPS co-ordinates, date and time recorded to ensure there is no question of the authentication of the footage.
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If you are looking for a quality dash cam that stands out for the rest with the unique dual cameras, to record both front and back in full 1080p HD then there is no comparison with this product. Once this dash cam is used, other brands / models look inferior in comparison. A front-runner from Nextbase.
To kick start 2018, Jabra have introduced the Elite franchise, a family of headphones and earbuds designed for high quality sound that provides the best combined voice and music experience. At CES, Jabra is showcasing three new products; the Elite 45e, Elite 65t and Elite Active 65t. With the latest research showing that daily usage of headphones by frequent users focuses on calls (58% of each user’s day), music (53%) and voice control (35%), the headphones are engineered to offer the best voice experience and music quality. The franchise is on offer in a range of wearing styles including true wireless, neckband, soft neckband and headband.
In addition to the best-in-class voice and music experience, the new Elite products also come with the security of a two-year warranty against dust and water ingress (two years for the Elite Active 65t also including sweat ingress). While users will experience the great voice and music experience that Elite products offer, they will also be able to choose the wearing style that suits them best. The Elite family includes true wireless and soft neckband variants with the suffix letter signifying the styles clearly using ‘e’ for earbud and ‘t’ for true wireless.
Alexa integration
For those who prefer using voice commands, the new products allow voice support for all major voice services, now including Amazon Alexa on-the-go. Jabra will be among the first movers to enable this mobile feature, providing customers with access to Alexa directly from the earbuds. With Alexa, you can ask to play music, hear the news, check weather, control smart home devices, and much more. Elite 65t delivers a 4-microphone array and superior sound.
While delivering a market-leading voice and music experience and durability, each of the Elite products Jabra is presenting at this year’s CES also has its own specific features:
Elite 45e:Engineered for the best voice and music experience. The Elite 45e is for users who want the best combined voice and music experience in a headset with a discreet design and a great fit. This soft neckband (with memory wire) headset has a lightweight form factor and a unique box microphone solution that delivers the clearest voice communication on any stereo wireless headphone.
Elite 65t:Engineered for the best true wireless voice and music experience. The Elite 65t is a third generation true wireless earbud aimed at those who want the best voice and music experience without wires. It is engineered to ensure a stable wireless connection and best call and voice quality. The 65t includes one-touch access to Siri, and Google Now, new integration for Amazon Alexa on-the-go and has up to 15 hours of battery life (with cradle).
Elite Active 65t:Engineered for active users who want a true wireless voice and music experience while working out. The Jabra Elite Active 65t is for those who want the features of the Elite 65t, while being able to use the earbuds in a sports or training setting. The earbuds have enhanced grip, through special coating, integrated accelerometer for tracking features and IP56 sweat, water and dust certification. The Elite Active 65t has five hours of listening time on one charge with two additional charges in the cradle.
“By introducing the Elite franchise, we have demonstrated to headphone users that we understand their needs and that we are fully committed to providing the best voice and music headphone solutions. Our new Elite franchise accommodates three levels of technology in sound, microphone and voice interaction capabilities, different endurance levels, and both true wireless earbud and neckband solutions,” said René Svendsen-Tune, CEO at Jabra. “With the Elite family, we now offer headsets for every choice of wearing style, use case and price point.”
Key features of the Elite franchise:
The best voice experience: unique, market-leading microphone technology ensures the best calls and voice interactions on the market. Plus support for all major voice virtual assistants including new integration with Amazon Alexa-on-the-go
Personalised music experience: users can adapt their sound to suit their personal preferences with the Jabra Sound app
Biggest choice of wearing styles: true wireless, neckband, soft neckband, headband – always the best voice, music and calls
Unbeatable durability: two-year life proof warranty against water and dust ingress**, two-year warranty for Active & Sport variants against sweat and dust
Naas-based managed service provider Novi has completed a significant upgrade of electrical retailer Expert Electrical’s IT infrastructure. The work will contribute to protecting Expert’s systems from cybercrime while improving performance and reliability. The deal is worth €200,000.
Expert Electrical is Ireland’s largest electrical retailer, specialising in computers, smart devices and home appliances. Since launching in Ireland Expert has undergone rapid expansion and now boasts a network of 67 stores nationwide.
Pictured at the announcement that proactive managed serivce provider Novi has completed a 200,000 upgrade of electrical retailer Expert Electricals IT infrastructure are (L-R): George O’Dowd, managing director, Novi and Kate Tierney, financial controller, Expert Electrical.
Every Expert Electrical store houses many hundreds of Internet of Things (IoT) capable devices such as smart TVs, games consoles and other connected appliances, which need to remain connected to the internet to download the latest updates. This left the retailer’s systems vulnerable to intrusion from cybercriminals. Further exposing Expert to the risk of a data breach was the fact that it had not upgraded its IT infrastructure in a number of years.
To reduce its risk profile, Expert chose to work with a managed service provider to upgrade its infrastructure and WiFi networks. Having consulted with a number of providers, Expert selected Novi to conduct an assessment of its IT infrastructure. Novi found that Expert’s systems were based on legacy architecture and opted to combine these systems and move them to a virtualised environment.
Novi then implemented AirGap, its off-site data recovery service. This provides Expert with business continuity back-up and ensures against data compromise or loss in the event of a cyber incident or data breach. Following this, Novi installed separate Wi-Fi networks to maximise security. IoT-enabled smart devices now remain connected to one network, while Expert’s employees and point of sale systems use a distinct network. This setup makes it much more difficult for cybercriminals to access Expert’s systems. Expert’s new Wi-Fi networks also facilitated the implementation of an advanced retail analytics platform that will provide an overview of store footfall, allowing the retailer to assess the effectiveness of its marketing campaigns.
Further security measures included the installation of a high-performance Fortinet Firewall cluster to facilitate network segmentation. In the event of a cyber-attack or data breach this will enable Expert to isolate its core systems from any affected devices.
Pictured at the announcement that proactive managed serivce provider Novi has completed a 200,000 upgrade of electrical retailer Expert Electricals IT infrastructure are (L-R): Kate Tierney, financial controller, Expert Electrical and George O’Dowd, managing director, Novi.
Finally, Novi implemented sophisticated monitoring platforms to protect Expert Electrical from threats going forward. Novi CyberView will present Expert’s team with cybersecurity activity in a user friendly format, while its vulnerability management solution will monitor and report on known vulnerabilities and provide a mechanism for the application of security patches and updates
Kate Tierney, financial controller, Expert Electrical, said: “Prior to working with Novi we were concerned about the reliability of our IT infrastructure and our vulnerability to an attack by cybercriminals. However, this project has eased all of our concerns. We now have a secure, reliable and high-performance setup that ensures that we remain up and running at all times and which will serve our needs for years to come.
“Novi’s AirGap platform will keep our data secure in the event of a cyber-attack, and its monitoring services will protect us from emerging threats. As well as this, our new Wi-Fi network and the implementation of advanced retail analytics will measure changes in store traffic following the roll-out of marketing campaigns, helping us to see what works, and what doesn’t. This will allow us to tailor campaigns for maximum effectiveness going forward, giving us the edge on our competitors.”
George O’Dowd, managing director, Novi, said: “As Ireland’s leading electrical retailer, Expert Electrical wanted to lead by example when it came to its own IT systems and processes. However, the company was reliant on an outdated IT infrastructure that put it at risk of experiencing a data breach or significant downtime.
“Novi designed and implemented an all-new IT infrastructure for Expert, providing it with a reliable and secure framework on which to do business. Expert also now receives a scheduled weekly site visit from one of our engineers to monitor any potential issues and help the company to maintain a high-performance infrastructure. With over 15 years’ experience in helping companies to avail of the most advanced IT solutions, Novi was uniquely placed to steer Expert Electrical through this complex project and install an IT foundation that will enable it to continue to grow and develop its business.”
Eddie Battle who attends NUIG and is conducting a survey on Autonomus Vehicles here in Ireland,this is the first time that Irish people are being asked for their opinion on autonomous vehicles. This survey forms part of his project at NUIG. Eddie currently works in the Tech industry, and attends NUIG on a part time basis.He is also passionate about technology, innovation and flashy cars.
Similar surveys have been completed by the University of Michigan and respondants from the US, UK and Australia.
What is an autonomous vehicle?
An autonomous or driverless vehicle, is a vehicle that navigates its environment via the use of sensors, lasers and cameras. There are five levels of automation. Currently most cars are at Level 1, these cars have features such as cruise control and parking sensors. Cars at automation Level 5, are also known as fully autonomous vehicles, which can drive independently, without the physical intervention of a human driver.
The questionaire covers the expected benefits and concerns of the technology, which is primarily
focused on road safefty. Road Traffic regualtion has changed in a number of countries in Europe and the US, so Id also like to find out if people would like to be involved in the process of regulation change. Its not expected that citizens will have an input, but results from this survey may be useful to policy makers, technology stakeholders. It also might interest those out there that have a passion for cars, technology and the future of road safety. The survey is anaonymous, and all participation would be very much appreciated.
I am not even going to go into this in too much depth because the same problem is persistent here yet again with tonnes of complaints on Amazon and the App stores and all i can say if you have one that works you are very lucky indeed and just like the VR offering I have missed out on games which I really was looking forward to getting stuck into and so where some of my families kids too however this is not going to happened even after three replacements nothing works full stop. I just took out the controller before I wasted my time and yours to see if this worked but nope..
Once again you can see the complaints and details over HERE and its consistent once more but we will show you what you get in the package and what the game is supposed to do below but until we hear back from the company we can do no more and hope to get working units very soon its in their own interest to remedy this big problem and does not bode well with people being left unanswered at at,they ( http://www.vrse-vr.com/) really need to get their finger out . Another example below of the pairing not happening but then a PIN box pops up but nothing of the sort came up on any of our devices used in testing.
What is the game about then anyway?
Step into Batman’s dark reality, determined to thwart The Joker’s latest evil scheme. The fate of Gotham City rests in your hands as you sharpen your skills at Wayne Tech. Ready or not, it’s time to stalk your enemies through dark streets. Use the game’s batarang to take some henchmen down, or drop in close for intense hand-to-hand combat through the Batman-themed controller. Do you have what it takes to become Batman and save the city?
