The Edifier BH-880 are a wired headset that offers style comfort and quality sound and come in at around €160 which for what you get is not bad at all. Edifier has yet to let me down with the audio experience from what I have tested so far and we have more to come from Edifier this month too and I look forward to it as always.
The headphones are really comfortable to wear but this is a wired experience which for me is not really an issue as I have countless pairs of such and wireless and there remains an argument to which is better. What you get here is a really nice clean design with alloy hinges and really nice fitting closed back cans which isolate much of the outside noise,they do not have ANC but do a great job and are ideal for the home but you could wear outdoors.
I tend to wear mine indoors and leave the earbuds for outdoors and you can plug these into an existing system via the adaptor provider which is where you will get great benefit watching movies or streaming. The sound from these is best described as balanced well all round however not as loud as I would like but thats my personal taste. You wont be disappointed with how they sound regardless
From using these on my home system and via music on my phone,Spotify and You Tube which is what I do on a daily basis the sound was crisp and clear across all sound stages and genres though bass lacked to my liking but you can fix that with an EQ on your phone to get a better result. The comfort level is brilliant and these do not clamp on your head yet just sit nicely and therefore no sweating with the leather padding that’s around the cups and headband which for long periods of use is ideal.
For the package you get you can’t go wrong if its comfort and a great build you are after here with the alloy joints which will last longer than your typically plastic affair, In the box you get the required cables and fittings alongside a velvet carry case which is a nice touch. The only thing to watch for here is if you have fitted cases is the headphone jack might not reach all the way in with the design of the jack but having said that these are top notch but its something to keep in mind you can see in the image gallery. Watch the video for more..
When Google rolls out the algorithms, you feel apprehensive. Whether your site will be rewarded or penalized, you keep asking yourself. You all know about Google’s Mobilegeddon update and its implications. However, the update was beneficial for people and an essential step. It meant that only websites but also mobile apps featured in the search engine result pages (SERPs). Today, you will find 3.8 million Android apps and another 2 million in the Apple app store. Then, ranking your app in the SERPs is not as simple as it sounds.
According to an article published on https://www.huffingtonpost.com, you need at least 5,000-10,000 downloads in a short span of time before your app ranks in the SERPs. Now, that means you need to generate enough traffic for the app. When you have just launched your app, you need to market and optimize the same for the SERPs. It will take some time, and will not happen overnight. You need to attract users through SEO, PPC, cross channel collaboration, and email marketing. Whatever strategy you implement, it should work to bear results. You need to attract as many visitors to your mobile app. That is the mantra. Here are three cool tips for ranking your mobile app in Google’s search pages:
Use the right keywords
You use targeted keywords to optimize your website. The same rule holds when it comes to your mobile app. Why should it be any different? The primary search terms will tell users what your app is about and add value to it. Make sure you use the ideal keywords to convey signals to Google or other search engines and prompt app store triggers. Did you know that Google Play included a feature, of late, that broke down organic search data and displaying the number of app installations for each keyword? These details are not available for every developer.
You will also need to perform conventional keyword research to figure out the best search terms for your mobile app. Take some time out of your busy schedule and study more about SEO and mobile apps. You will find loads of information on the internet. You will need to use the keyword planner tool from Google to determine low competition search terms and high traffic. Besides keyword planner, you can also use other search tools. Make a list of the keywords; use them in the title, description, subtitle, and related fields.
Your job does not end here. You will need to monitor your app’s search term position and search traffic through Monitor Backlinks. If you are using the right SEO tactics, your app will rank at the top of the SERPs. Never clutter your title and description with search terms because that will not give you positive results. Make sure you employ all the best practices to help your mobile app rank higher in the search pages.
Gather positive ratings from users
When it comes to star ratings or reviews, they help in sending trust signals to Google. You can learn more about how to achieve better mobile app ranking by visiting sites like scholarship link building service or similar ones. Did you know that Google also checks user reviews for search terms? Yes, it does. Therefore, genuine, natural and positive reviews will result in increased downloads. Always pay heed to ratings and reviews for better app ranking in the SERPs. However, you need to work a little hard to inspire positive reviews.
Improve your mobile app based on user ratings. Say, for instance, you have a restaurant booking app. People use it to order food online from the comfort of their homes. Then, if your app has navigation issues, payment failures, and code errors, users will leave bad remarks and uninstall your mobile app. Therefore, always design a seamless and user-friendly app for triggering positive ratings and reviews. If any user posts negative feedback, take it with a pinch of salt without feeling bad about it. Based on the reviews, you should try improving the future versions of the app. This way, the users who posted negative comments will change their ratings for the better.
Improve the app’s CTR
If you are not improving your app’s click-through-rate, you are missing important downloads. People will not download your app in such a case. As far as CTR is concerned, it sends a powerful signal to Apple app store and Google Play showing that your app is useful, relevant, and worth listing. You might be wondering how to boost the CTR. Well, it is simple. Hire an experienced copywriter to compose smart, crisp copy for your mobile app. You will also need a designer to improve the images for your app. The CTR must be clear and enhanced for better ranking in the SERPs.
When it comes to copy, it should focus on the best five features of the app that will make users’ lives simpler. The point is how to benefit the end-users. Make sure you break up the content with lists and visuals. Keep the language short, simple, and easy to understand. The paragraphs need to be short and not walls of text. People scan content and will turn off if they have to read chunks of information for understanding what your app is all about. When you have optimized the product page, perform A/B testing to determine which components boost the CTR. If you are new to it, read and learn more about mobile apps, copy, visuals, and related elements that help your app rank higher in the SERPs. It will not happen overnight. If you follow the right steps, your app will experience multiple downloads and attract positive reviews.
Conclusion
Now that you know about these smart tips, start building killer apps that users will love to download. With more downloads and enhanced app features, your mobile app will rank top in the search pages. Google will reward your app with better rankings. Though this is not a comprehensive list, these hacks will prove beneficial if you follow them religiously.
For a businesses the phrase ‘going digital’ no longer only means getting a website done and doing some Google and Facebook ads. It has gone far beyond that and in coming years it will evolve much more than anticipated. Digitalisation is at peak. People are readily embracing the digital devices and technology which is shifting their focus from traditional media towards digital media. Hence it becomes extremely important for SMBs to keep up the pace with technology and leverage the power of digitalisation to grow their business.
As of now large business owners have the capacity to try and commission latest digital tactics to grow business but what do SMBs do? They should wisely choose their digital strategy from the sea of digital techniques which claim to grow businesses. To help you out Maiden Stride have compiled an infographic of the tried and tested digital trends that SMBs can follow to grow their business cleverly.
I was once on the fence with electric cars but currently looking for a new motor and I am leaning towards a Tesla (Electric cars range anxiety is less now) or another guzzler be it a Petrol or Diesel and the same issue is the same for many others and here is one thing to help you asides being able to rent an electric vehicle. You can hire cars from this app for a nominal fee which can allow you to try out an electric car for an entire day or a few days which is a great idea to give you some idea of what you are dealing with.
Let’s face it in most cases test drives are not a real way to actually test your car before you buy it and I am one of those that “try before you buy” and if I can’t I move elsewhere. Might seem pedantic but if I am about to drop big money on a new motor i don’t want a spin around the block for a quick sale and a thank you very much then a pat on the back..
OK this is not what this app is really intended for but it is something to think about aside renting an electric car in the first place. There is multiple car rental apps already here in Ireland (Go CAR being one of the popular choices that have drivers do what they like and park where they like and I have seen more clamped than driving sometimes,another matter for another day but something I had to point out giving them a decent mention too)and the Electric car is one that is being pushed much more of late due to efficiency but they do cost more on the offset but in the long term save you buckets of cash with less maintenance work and service time..
You can download the app now on Android and iOS or check the website and the cars on offer right now are quite tasty too with the Tesla Model S, Tesla Model 3, Jaguar I-Pace, Hyundai Kona and Nissan Leaf. I know what I will be renting soon for a day or two..Lets hope this expands nationwide but we do have a huge issue with charging points in Ireland in general which hopefully changes pretty quick. Have they come in at the right time with this idea?? Read their story HERE
Jabra is shipping the latest addition to the Elite Active range, the Elite Active 45e, a set of sports earbuds that it announced at CES 2019. These waterproof earbuds provide an improved earhook design that not only promises a secure fit but also ensures long-term wearing comfort. Up to nine hours battery life gives users the ability to do a week’s worth of workouts on a single charge. This is one of the strongest wireless sports headsets in the below £100 category.
The Jabra Elite Active 45e earbuds are engineered for wireless music, calls and sport. Whether going for a run, cycle ride or your favourite exercise in the gym, they allow you to enjoy the audio quality of Jabra wireless, with earbuds designed to stay secure and comfortable thanks to Earhooks and Earwings that hold firm. The earbuds are the perfect outdoor fitness buddies as you can stay aware of your surroundings, thanks to an open-ear design that lets ambient sound in. Having awareness of your surroundings while running outdoors is a highly requested safety feature for many users.
With the Elite Active 45e, you caninstantly connect to Alexa*, Siri® or Google Assistant™, empowering you to get many things done quickly with voice commands, including setting appointments, finding nearby events, or having your messages read to you. The earbuds’ two-microphone technology givesyoueffective noise reduction on calls that ensure conversations are incredibly clear, and advanced 12mm speakers that offer a richer, more powerful audio experience.
With up to nine hours of battery life on a single charge, the earbuds power a week’s worth of workouts, keeping the music playing and the calls answered. They also have a 15-minute fast-charge feature for those times when you really need an extra hour.
The Jabra Sound+ app allows you to customise your music profiles, choose your voice assistant, track battery use and more – giving the best personalisation during your workout.
Calum MacDougall, SVP at Jabra said: “These new sports earbuds are engineered for those who want a comfortable and secure fit whilst exercising. The durable design and superior call and music experience ensure the Elite Active 45e is the perfect workout essential. Moreover, the new Elite Active 45e benefits from Jabra’s wireless experience and proven track record of excellent wireless connectivity.”
Jabra Elite Active 45e key features:
Comfortable and secure fit with Earwings and Earhooks that hold firm when you move
Voice assistant-enabled with one-touch access to Amazon Alexa, Siri® or Google Assistant™
IP67-rated waterproof durability with 2-year sweat and dust warranty**
Run safely with an earbud designed to keep you aware of the surroundings
Make calls on the move with 2-microphone call technology for superior call experience
Choose your favourite colour from Mint, Navy or Black
Boost your day with 9 hours battery on a single charge
Personalise your device with the Jabra Sound+ app
Availability & pricing
Find out more about the Jabra Elite Active 45e at: jabra.co.uk The headset will be available from March 2019 at selected retailers, MSRP £89.99 in three colours: Black, Navy and Mint. Watch out for our review soon.
The Taotronics BH-47 are an affordable pair of headphones that come in at around 50 euro with all the mods and cons you would expect to find. They come in a cheap box and packaging but most people discard of this anyway once opened depending on the quality though that might differ I tend to keep all mine but that is just me.
These are foldable which is great for transportation but do not come with a carry case which is a small gripe considering most do come with a bag of some description but you can use one if you have an old set of cans lying around. When it comes to comfort these are light with decent padded cups and headband and they do isolate much of the outside noise but with the ANC on board this fixes that.
Sound values are well balanced on these but not loud,loud as in how I like my music but for the average user these will be fine and you will be happy with the sound experience given there is no app to facilitate an equalizer but you can download a third party app if you wish or use one on your device if there is one present.
My usual test run on these with Spotify, You tube and stored music was a crisp and clear experience and the ANC makes it all the better, The buttons are placed on one side which is also how I like it and not separated between the two cups and the buttons are tactile and raised high enough for an easy to navigate experience without the need to remove them to know where you’re at.
Volume was the only caveat I had with these really but as mentioned it is my choice of how I listen to music I also would like to see these in more colours but for the price you pay here to get ANC and a great sound experience overall you cant really complain with the cost.
As autonomous technology becomes more advanced, many retailers are exploring how self-driving vehicles can be used to optimise their logistics operations. Find out more about how the ecommerce sector could benefit from delivery drone technology in the infographic below from 2Flow.
McKinsey predict that in the future up to 80% of all items will be delivered by self-driving vehicles and drones. Drones in particular present an attractive option for retailers. While delivery drones have yet to become mainstream, we are already seeing major players within the ecommerce industry experimenting with this technology.
For example, in 2015 Amazon launched the Prime Air which aimed to deliver goods by drone within 30 minutes to customers in a handful of locations around the world. According to Amazon’s own estimations, the increased distribution efficiency resulting from the use of drones could bring about cost savings of up to 80% for last-mile shipping alone.
Proponents of cargo drone technology say that it could help improve delivery logistics in a major way. Some propose that drones could be used alongside traditional road haulage to cover the last mile of each delivery. This alone could drastically reduce the travel time for last-mile delivery thereby boosting efficiency, saving time and slashing costs.
One example of this is UPS who are experimenting with placing mini-helipads on the top of their vans. According to the company’s own projections, eliminating just a single mile from the routes of each of their 66,000 delivery drivers could save up to $50 million.
However, a few critical issues still remain that need to be resolved before delivery drones become commonplace. The law represents the biggest obstacle, as air space restrictions are greatly limiting where drones can currently travel. What’s more, short battery life means that drones can currently only handle small journeys with small loads.
For more information about delivery drones, take a look at the infographic below.
Activbody, aspiring to make the world healthier by creating fitness and health technologies designed to make exercise fun and convenient, announces its UK launch of Activ5.
A fitness innovation ideal for everyone from working professionals who sit all day, to travellers, over 60s, busy mums or simply those who find it challenging to fit in daily activity, Activ5 by Activbody allows anyone with a smartphone to exercise anywhere while coaching, tracking and entertaining them.
The sleek and portable handheld device guides users through short burst workouts to keep them active throughout the day, providing full-body toning from both sitting and standing positions, all while tracking results on the companion Activ5 App, which is available on iOS and Android operating systems. Activ5 features more than 100 unique workouts that are fast and fun, and measures data such as strength, strength increases, precision and other personal metrics.
“Most of us sit way too much. We all want to be more fit, but for many of us it’s nearly impossible to carve out time to get to the gym,” said Activbody CEO, Dan Stevenson. “Activ5 exercises are discrete and static, so you can work out at your desk, while watching TV or on a plane, making the powerful health-transforming benefits of isometric fitness available to you anytime, anywhere. Best of all, we’ve turned fitness into a game. Our suite of mobile casual games allows you to control the action through muscle force, so it feels more like you’re playing than doing a strenuous workout. After a successful Kickstarter campaign and years of hardware and software development, we’re thrilled to finally share this industry game-changer with the world.”
With a durable design that measures more than 200 lbs. of force, Activ5 helps users increase strength by as much as 5 percent per week, and effectively tones and strengthens muscles through short, 5-minute workouts a few times a day. The Activ5 App personalises workouts to each user’s fitness level, tracks progress and allows users to exercise while playing games designed by independent gaming studios. Activ5 has a 6-month battery life and is Bluetooth®-enabled.
Isometric exercise is a type of low-impact strength training where the angle of the joints and muscle length do not change during contraction – for example a plank. Scientific research has proven that isometric exercise is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to build strength, accelerate fat burning and tone the body, in fact, five minutes of isometric exercise can be equivalent to 25 minutes of gym-machine exercises, Studies show the benefits of isometrics include: increased energy, lowered blood pressure, weight loss, boosted endurance, reduced pain, as well as bad habit relief (such as smoking), among others. Medical studies have further revealed that fractionalised exercise can deliver all the results of longer workouts while contributing to heart health, overall well-being and reducing the risk of disease, such as diabetes.
Activ5 is available from Amazon, Ryman Stationery, Dixons Travel and Smartech, Selfridges for £119.95
We are long time fans of Jabra here and love their products and always look forward to what is new and test them out and they never disappoint, However there is always one issue I have and many others and that is sharing music with others or your other half, Thankfully Jabra include the airplane headphone jack that allows two pairs to be shared individually at one time but that’s just not good enough we want to share together the same pair of headphones at the same time and Jabra have come up with a new idea to solve sharing your headphones once and for all and they are called the Earbud(dy)
Jabra today announces the launch of the Jabra Earbud(dy)TM, the world’s first shared headphone. Engineered for shared music moments, the headphones come with an ultra-light headband that extends seamlessly to accommodate the perfect fit for every pair of buddies, so you’ll never have to enjoy another music moment alone.
The Jabra Earbud(dy)TM comes with a unique Buddy mode that promises a shared music experience that is tailored to suit each person’s preferences. Accessible via the Jabra app, the Buddy mode offers music personalisation that promises a tailored sound experience so you can listen to your music just the way you like it. Like your bass a bit louder than your buddy? No problem! Your music experience can be easily personalised using the easy-to-use music equaliser – without having any impact on your buddy’s music experience.
Fans of voice command will be thrilled to know that with just one touch, the Jabra Earbud(dy)TM can connect to dual voice assistance apps. This smart interaction feature allows users to connect seamlessly to two smartphones at once, so you can still hear from your favourite voice command on your device while also sharing magical music moments with your buddy.
The Jabra Earbud(dy)TM boasts a long-lasting battery that can keep the music-sharing going for up to 15 hours. With just 20 minutes of quick charge, the headphones can add another 5 hours of listening time to your day. Whether you are sitting at a café people-watching with your buddy or enjoying a relaxing lie-down at the park in the sun, the long-lasting battery ensures the music never stops!
“Whether it’s lovers, family or friends, music has always brought people together and that was the feeling we wanted to capture with the Jabra Earbud(dy)”, Claus Fonnesbech, Senior Director at Jabra commented.
“Shared music experiences are magical and something that everyone relates to. The Jabra Earbud(dy) ensures a personalised experience every time so your music is tailored to your needs – even if it’s shared with someone. With summer just around the corner, there is no better time to buddy up and create wonderful music experiences with those that mean the most to you!”, he added.
Features and specifications:
Engineered for shared music moments
Smart interaction with dual voice assistance
Extendable ultra-light headband for the perfect fit
Waterproof to accommodate any weather
Long-lasting battery up to 15 hours
One-touch Buddy mode and music personalisation via the Jabra app
Pricing and availability:
Jabra Earbud(dy) – available at selected retailers only on 1 April 2019, MSRP £159.00. See more