Month: June 2020

Review – Amazon Echo 3rd generation & Amazon Echo Flex. #EchoFlex #Alexa #Echo3rdGen

The Amazon echo is another addition to the Echo family ( 3rd generation ), which were released in 2014 and grown in models offerings. On a basic level, the Alexa is voice-controlled assistant that allows you to talk to the Alexa assistant for general queries from the time, weather, set timers alternative it could be classed as a glorified speaker.  Whether voice assistance  / a hands-free speaker this comes out on its own when used to control a smart home.  It performs useful tasks such as setting alarms, finding out the weather, and controlling smart devices etc.

 

On a basic level other than the physical size of the Echo, compared to the Dot or Echo flex is the audio quality with the  Amazon echo using  Dolby sound which is not available on the lower models, The Amazon Echo is almost identical to the second-gen Echo Plus which was reviewed at TechBuzz in https://techbuzzireland.com/2019/01/16/review-amazon-echo-plus-2nd-gen-amazon-iot-tech-alexa/.  The Echo 3rd generation is physically larger than then echo dot / Amazon Echo Flex which increased its price but has a larger speaker which is noticeable in a large room.

 

Contents:

  •         Echo (3rd generation),
  •         Power adaptor (30.0W)
  •         Quick Start Guide.

 

Amazon Echo (3rd-gen): Specs

  •         148 x 99mm
  •         3in subwoofer & 0.8in tweeter
  •         3.5mm audio input
  •         Bluetooth
  •         Far-field beamforming microphones
  •         Available in four colours

 

Warranty:   1 year, which is on all the range which is a disappointment.

Amazon echo flex :

The Amazon echo flex has similar features as the Echo (3rd generation),  but can be plugged directly into a plug socket with a built-in USB-A port,  to charge your phone.  The echo flex is marketed towards been used in another room allowing access to you information, weather, traffic, control your smart home: turn on lights, adjust thermostats, lock doors and more, with compatible connected devices. This has audio output but not designed to listen to music,  As with the Echo, this is designed privacy: built with multiple layers of privacy protection and control, including a Microphone Off button that electronically disconnects the microphones. ( If the Echo range was 100% secure, this feature should not be required ) The Amazon echo flex has the advantage of no trailing power wire or needs for an adapter. The two Fairfield mics can pick up your voice even when there’s noise, and the speaker is loud enough to hear Alexa most of the time.

 

 

 

Setup: (this is the same for the range of the Amazon Echo)

The setup was standard, plug in the Echo device wait for the blue ring which covers the top of the cylinder around 45 seconds. Then the unit is paired with the wifi/smartphone easily and quickly.

Amazon Alexa app:

The Amazon Alexa App is setup using your Amazon account, (similar to Google Gmail account for Android) The allows personalized feature, including stop-start a resume from previous actions. the app allows control of Alexa-enabled devices, eg smart lights, locks and thermostats at home. The app connected allowed to connect to music services Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeartRadio. As linked into your amazon account, ‘if you order a parcel from Amazon Alexa knows the status of your parcel and can advise via green light, e.g. you parcel is out for delivery today, you can even ask what’s in the parcel. ( This may be a worry if ordering a present for a family member to keep as a surprise )

Music can be transferred directly via Bluetooth to the Amazon Echo using a subscription service e.g. Amazon Prime membership which has access to about 2 million songs, Spotify free version does not work while the paid version does connect direct

 

Smart home:

The key benefits of the smart speaker are the connection to a range of smart devices from a range of providers that support to Alexa.  At TechBuzz we have connected these to a variety of compatible products to include, Tapo Mini, Tile Sticker and Robus via the skills section in the Amazon app. The range of Manufacturers that can connect to Alexa’s skills is growing and includes to name a few include Nest, Philips Hue, Logitech, Ecobee, Belkin, TP-Link, and Samsung SmartThings families of products.

TechBuzz Ireland has reviewed numerous Amazon models over the last few years and the demo model returned,  we can’t give a live demo in the comparison of the older models of the Alexa, This model looks very similar to the second-gen Echo Plus in terms of size and output.

 

Privacy Features          

The Echo has privacy features which has wake word technology, streaming indicators, microphone off button, the ability to view and delete your voice recordings. These are concerns raised by many that use this technology. This concern has been raised by The Revenue Commissioners which have issued guidance to its own staff working remotely warning them about having a smart speaker nearby. The potential of cybercriminals accessing your data is always a possibility but on the odds of this occurring at present is minimal having a firewall, antivirus etc helps to decrease the possibility.

Compare:

 

Conclusion:

The Amazon Echo 3rd generation is an ideal premium speaker when connected to a paid subscription, allowing all the features of voice commands to provide 360 spherical sounds in the vocal, chorus, piano, guitar, and great bass. The Amazon echo flex does not have the audio experience but has the same features to use your voice control in the smart home: turn on lights, adjust thermostats, with compatible connected devices. The smart home option is the future without having to hardwire cables through a property, the cost of compatible devices has reduced and the number of products has increased in choice and features. 

Amazon Echo 3rd generation would be the first choice of model with the echo flex used in a smaller room or bedroom. The echo flex provides value for money and no trailing cables, contains the fairfield mics to control your smart home but not recommended to listen to the radio station or music playlist.  Both the Amazon Echo 3rd generation & Amazon echo flex are the future.   The decision is not to get an Amazon Echo, it’s what’s the budget would allow and your preference in terms of music requirement.   Great features  and affordable when used as part of a smart home, Highly recommended,

https://www.amazon.co.uk/amazon-echo-3rd-generation-smart-speaker-with-alexa/dp/B07P4DKX14  

Price: £89.99 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/amazon-echo-flex-plug-in-smart-speaker-with-alexa/dp/B07PDJ9JFF/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Amazon+echo+flex&qid=1591568038&s=amazon-devices&sr=1-1

Price: £24.99

 

UPS, Sealed Air, Smurfit Kappa and MacFarlane Packaging simplify wine and spirits exporting. #ecommerce #Logistics

UPS, a global leader in logistics, global packaging experts Sealed Air (SEE), Smurfit Kappa and top UK distributor Macfarlane Packaging are today launching a new range of packaging specially designed for shipping individual bottles of spirits and wine, to help producers in the UK and Ireland expand their markets and reach new customers.

 

“Ecommerce presents a huge opportunity for drinks producers wanting to grow their businesses, as a fifth of alcohol consumers in key export markets are already purchasing their favourite brands online,” said Mark Vale, President, UPS UK & Ireland. “We designed this new packaging to simplify the process and bring peace of mind that these fragile products will arrive safely at their destination. By combining this specialised packaging with UPS’s smart global logistics network, brokerage expertise and service coverage, distillers can focus on their passion and sharing their savoir-faire with the world.”

With alcohol e-sales in the UK and Ireland experiencing double digit growth this packaging addresses the challenge of how to safely pack and ship individual bottles that come in a range of shapes and sizes. It has been developed and tested by UPS, in partnership with leading packaging companies Smurfit Kappa and Sealed Air, and is distributed by Macfarlane Packaging. Alcohol producers shipping with UPS benefit from damage cover when they use this UPS Approved packaging.

              

“At the moment, people are ordering more goods from online retailers so that they can stay at home,” said Laurel Granville, Marketing Director, Macfarlane Packaging. “There is a growing demand for bottle packs as there is a need to effectively pack and distribute these products without damage. At Macfarlane, we offer our clients the most innovative and environmentally friendly protective packaging options for their businesses and we are proud to work with UPS to offer this pack to ecommerce customers.”

 

There are four customisable versions of the new one-bottle packs that can accommodate most of the wine and spirits bottles on the market. The packaging is also fully recyclable. It features the Korrvu® Retention technology by Sealed Air that allows the bottle to be suspended in transparent film, the pack can be used for display in a shop or bar, or sent to family or friends as a gift.

 

UPS also provides a direct-to-consumer wine shipping export service from selected countries in Europe to destinations in 60 countries across North America, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Africa, in addition to its global business-to-business alcohol shipping services.

 

For more information on the new packaging, visit ups.com/spiritspack. To download UPS’s full guide to shipping alcohol, visit the UPS website.

Creative SXFI TRIO: USB-C In-ears with the Super X-Fi Difference. #Creative #SFXITRIO

Creative Technology today announced the launch of the Creative SXFI TRIO, triple-driver USB-C in-ear headphones, designed to deliver high-quality holographic audio with all-day comfort on Android phones, PCs and laptops.

 

Implemented with the latest Super X-Fi Gen2 technology, users can expect greater accuracy in personalisation and a better all-round audio experience. Powered by the same triple-driver system as the well-received Aurvana Trio and fitted with a custom-designed Kevlar USB-C cable, SXFI TRIO sets to exceed expectations with balanced, accurate, and natural-sounding digital audio for users on the go.

Wired for Pristine Digital Audio

SXFI TRIO delivers pristine digital audio and great performance powered by an in-house tuned, hybrid triple-driver system. Each of the three drivers (two precision balanced armature drivers for detailed mids and highs, and a bio-cellulose driver for powerful yet clean bass) plays an important part to achieve maximum audio fidelity. Yielding up to 100 dB SNR and 0.008% IMD, SXFI TRIO offers users exceptional audio clarity with balanced and accurate audio that is natural sounding.

 

Intricately designed and engineered, SXFI TRIO is also fitted with a custom-designed, Kevlar-reinforced cable for exceptional tensile strength, and wrapped in an aluminium and copper shield for higher durability. Its all-round superior quality makes it perfect for use on mobile devices while on the go.

 

The cream of the features crop is the critically-acclaimed Super X-Fi technology, which is incorporated through an attached in-line SXFI WIRE, which is a 40% smaller version of the already finger-sized SXFI AMP, the first-ever Super X-Fi product and an icon in its own right. Users can enjoy holographic audio which is personalized for an all-natural surround audio experience, that can rival a high-end 7.1 surround sound system.

Work-Learn-Play from Home All Day

SXFI TRIO truly sets itself apart with a new level of audio realism for calls, and makes video calls with family and friends more intimate. It’s also excellent for long calls, where the spatialisation of Super X-Fi eliminates the fatigue associated with conventional headphones.

As such, SXFI TRIO is the perfect companion to Work-Learn-Play from home with, instead of bulky headphones.

SXFI TRIO’s angled earbuds are intricately designed and fine-tuned for long-lasting comfort, and it comes with 6 pairs of different silicone ear tip sizes, so it will be a breeze to find the perfect fit.

Creative’s CEO Sim Wong Hoo said, “The SXFI TRIO is an all-rounder, ideal for all day in all places. It’s a miniaturised wonder. The triple-driver performance can rival high-end, bulky headphones; with Super X-Fi integrated, I believe it will be very hard to match. Moreover, you are getting two products for the price of one, because it basically integrates the SXFI AMP and the Aurvana Trio into one – their combined price is twice that of SXFI TRIO.”

Pricing and Availability

SXFI TRIO is priced at £124.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit creative.com/sxfitrio.

Official data hub launched to provide comprehensive COVID-19 information to public. #DataHub #Covid19

Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), today announces that a new COVID-19 data hub, compiling official figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and the Health Service Executive (HSE), is now publicly available to view.

The data hub is a result of a collaboration between Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi), the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) and the Department of Health, with Esri Ireland providing technical support for the hub built using its GIS technology and platform.

All figures and data on the hub are updated in line with the latest national figures. In addition to headline figures on total confirmed cases and total deaths, the hub makes large swathes of entirely new information for the public, including testing figures, ICU admissions and hospital capacity.

 

Furthermore, the hub presents confirmed COVID-19 case counts by electoral division, enabling detailed analysis of the location of cases and for the first time, bringing geography to the forefront in the management of the virus in Ireland. People can now view accurate and up-to-date information on COVID-19 cases in their locality.

Ireland’s COVID-19 Data Hub can be viewed on the Government’s GeoHive platform at: https://covid19ireland-geohive.hub.arcgis.com/

Mobility companies say programme commitment to legislate for e-scooters should be urgent priority in new government #escooters

A group of major mobility providers in Ireland have written to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party to welcome the commitment in the Programme for Government to legislate for e-scooters, but have also called for a radical rethink in how Ireland manages transport.

FREE NOW, Lime, Bleeperbike, Zip Mobility and Zeus have said any new incoming government must make legislation for e-scooters and other forms of Powered Personal Transporters (PPT) an immediate priority in the wake of COVID-19.

In an open letter sent to the leaders of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party, the providers highlighted the need to radically rethink how Ireland manages transport and the requirement for new forms of micro mobility: “Now, more than ever, we can encourage a shift into alternative forms of transport. Other countries have made the deployment of micro-mobility a key step in supporting their re-opening, it is time for Ireland to do the same. COVID-19 has changed how people will travel and many are seeking alternatives that allow social distancing. E-scooters and other forms of micro-mobility can support this.”

Image by Christian Bueltemann from Pixabay

Alan Fox, General Manager of FREE NOW said: “We have brought together the major mobility providers in Ireland and are calling on any incoming government to prioritise the legislation of e-scooters and other micro mobility as a matter of urgency. While we welcome the commitments made in the new Programme for Government, we urge any incoming government to make this legislation a top priority. Ireland needs to radically rethink how we manage the traditional transport modes such as buses and trains to reduce clustering of commuters at peak times.  Taxi drivers have been working throughout the pandemic to get essential workers to where they need to be. Taxis will continue to offer the potential to transport passengers in an effective, socially-distanced way, but we now see people looking for greater mode diversity and alternatives to public transport as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

We need to offer alternative modes of transport that enable people to get around without putting more private cars on the streets, which would ratchet up congestion again and increase harmful carbon emissions. Now is the time for any new government to allow for more choice and encourage people to leave their cars at home and use e-bikes, e-scooters and other forms of micro mobility.”   

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport ran a public consultation on Personal Powered Transporters (PPTs) last year, but no recent progress has been made to introduce new legislation that would permit the use of e-scooters in Ireland. The commitment to legislate for e-scooters was included in the recently-announced Programme for Government.

The mobility providers also said in the letter that: “We believe that we can help people travel responsibly and we will help usher in the return of economic activity. This is a great opportunity for a new government to encourage passengers to get out of private cars and onto bikes, scooters and other forms of micro-mobility.” 

Electric scooters, an efficient and carbon-friendly transport mode that is tailor-made for the new socially-distanced normal, are already an integral part of the transport mix in many European countries like Germany and France that are easing restrictions with measured transport circulation.

GungHo Launches Ninjala exclusively for the Nintendo Switch today. #Ninjala #Gaming #NintendoSwitch

GungHo Online Entertainment (GOE) today released its bubblegum arena brawler Ninjala exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. The free to play title features two exciting multiplayer modes including an eight-player arena battle and a 4v4 team battle, as well as a single-player training mode. Pick and customize your ninja kid before you burst onto the scene of the World Ninja Association’s (WNA) ultimate ninja tournament, Ninjala.

By chewing super-powered Ninja-Gum, these modern-day ninjas can blow bubbles that can be targeted at their foes, craft all sorts of weapons, and fly across the battlefield with enhanced speed and agility…all with only one small side effect – it turns them into kids!

Download Ninjala here. Check out the launch trailer here.

To celebrate the launch of Ninjala, Japanese pop sensation Kyary Pamyu Pamyu collaborated with celebrated American musician and producer, Steve Aoki. The pair teamed up to remix Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s hit song Ninja Re Bang Bang which is out now! Listen to it here and check out the special mashup video here.

Also available today is Chapter One of the Story Mode DLC which features Van, a naturally talented kid who loves playing basketball. After learning from his master about his family’s ninja ancestry, he resolves to wield his ninja powers for good to defend the WNA and the world at large. With the power of Ninja-Gum, Van will be able to use special ninja abilities, fly around the city, stealthily pursue his targets, and take on huge bosses in epic battles.

But when it comes to taking down the enemy, whether it’s a space ninja or a giant, monstrous soda bottle, Van needs to use every trick in the book to gain the upper hand. Van’s Story Mode chapter one is regularly $9.99 USD, but is currently on sale for $4.59 USD. Story Mode is available now in the Nintendo eShop – look out for chapters from other Ninjala characters in the future!

To learn more about the fantastical story behind Ninjala and its eight main characters, check out the 2D cartoon anime series from GOE. The first episode, Bloodline of the Shinobi, follows Van’s story as he uncovers the mystery behind why ninjas attacked his father, and how it ties to his ninja heritage.The episode is available on YouTube here.

Sony Summer Sale launches online until 7th July on a huge range of products. #Sony #Tech #Sale

Kick back, relax and shop online whether you’re looking to upgrade your TV to watch the football back on display or you’re interested in a new camera after reigniting your love of photography during lockdown. For those planning a summer staycation, listen to music on-the-go with Sony’s award-winning range of portable speakers.

How to take advantage of the offer

To obtain a special summer promotion code, visit www.sony.co.uk or www.sony.ie  and click on the banners on the homepage. You’ll be given a promotion code to use online via retailers participating in the deal. To access great savings, redeem the promotional code at checkout.


What products are included in the Sony Summer Sale?

There’s something for everyone in Sony’s Summer Sale, with 43 products on offer across audio, television and digital imaging.

Bring your favourite TV shows and movies to life with immersive surround sound from Sony’s new 3.1 channel HT-G700 soundbar, featuring Dolby Atmos and a new, dedicated centre speaker for clearer dialogue. To block out distractions or stay focused while working from home the award-winning WH-1000XM3 noise cancelling headphones are the perfect choice.

Get creative with a summer photography project using α6100 APS-C camera with its fast AutoFocus; the perfect purchase for summer snaps. With its 180° tiltable LCD touchscreen, it allows for easier self-portraits and high- and low-angle shots. For those capturing important family memories at home or gatherings with friends at a nearby park, the RX100M5A is the perfect premium compact camera. Pocket-sized offering 20.1 Megapixels; it captures the glorious detail as well as up to 40x super slow-motion. The camera is also equipped with a 1.0-type stacked CMOS image sensor, a ZEISS lens for creating DSLR like portraits and an enhanced image processing system.

Watch sport as though you’re there with Sony’s range of 8K, 4K, OLED and LCD sets. Featuring incredible Acoustic Surface Audio, the Sony A8 OLED 4K TV turns the TV screen into a speaker; making a truly immersive viewing experience. Experience breath-taking detail with the Sony XH95 4K HDR Full Array LED TV which features the latest X-Motion Clarity™ technology; keeping everything smooth, bright, and clear – so you won’t miss a thing when watching your favourite moments of summer sport. What’s more, Acoustic Multi-Audio™ technology includes two sound positioning tweeters at the back of the TV that enable sound to follow the action, transporting you to the pitch from the comfort of your living room.

For further information on the Sony Summer Sale, visit:

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/sale

https://www.sony.ie/electronics/sale

Xperia 10 II from Sony is now on sale in Ireland. #Sony #Xperia10

Available to order now from retailers across Ireland, the new Xperia 10 II lets you lose yourself in entertainment, with more Sony technologies in a super-mid-range device than ever before.

With IP65/IP68 water and dust resistance[i] and Corning® Gorilla® Glass 6, the slim 69mm width lightweight 151g body fits perfectly in your hand, so at a time when entertainment has never been so in demand, you can consume in comfort no matter where you are.

Plus, with Xperia 10 II you can get closer to the action and immerse yourself in the 21:9 Wide 6.0” OLED display. With TRILUMINOS™ display for mobile technology, found in BRAVIA® TVs, and video image optimisation, you can enjoy your movies and TV shows with deeper blacks and enhanced colours for the ultimate viewing experience. You can also take your gaming to the next level with the dramatic 21:9 ratio allowing you to see more gameplay then before.

Further benefits of the 21:9 6.0” inch OLED display include use of Sony’s unique multi-window UI, which allows you to run two apps simultaneously, as well as the Side Sense function which lets you switch between your favourite apps effortlessly.

Xperia 10 II is packed with Sony audio technology and features a 3.5mm jack, for an authentic High-Resolution audio experience either wired or High-Resolution Wireless Audio.

But the entertainment doesn’t stop there; Xperia 10 II is equipped with a new triple lens camera offering 12MP, and two 8MP lenses: ultra-wide-angle (16mm), wide-angle (26mm) and telephoto (52mm), so you can get creative and experiment with photography. You can also easily tailor your photography with pre-set settings for Food, Portrait and a new Night mode, ensuring high quality images even in low-light situations.

No matter the subject or conditions, you can trust that Xperia 10 II will produce a beautiful image every time, due to the improved colour reproduction thanks to Sony’s leading digital imaging know-how. You can even capture images in the 21:9 ratio and record film in high quality 4K.

Xperia 10 II also comes equipped with a large 3600mAh battery you can consume and create all day knowing your creative juices will likely run out before your phone does.

For reliable performance and fast connectivity, Xperia 10 II features a Qualcomm® Snapdragon 665 Mobile Platform and comes equipped with Android 10.

Xperia 10 II is now available in black from select retailers across Ireland priced at €369 SIM-free. Please check with local operators for stock information.

Full specifications can be found on the Sony website.

See on EIR    See on Vodafone BILLPAY  PREPAY

NowLight – putting instant light and power in the hands of Brits. #NowLight #Solar #OffGrid

Today marks the official launch of NowLight, a London designed product which creates instant light and power just from pulling a cord. It can be purchased online here and retails at £99.

Revolutionary and award-winning tech charges phone and tablets, and illuminates gardens and campsites just from pulling a cord

Through pulling on NowLight’s cord for just one minute, you can create up to two hours of light to illuminate rooms and outdoor spaces, or enough power for 15-minutes of talk-time on a mobile phone. A fully charged NowLight will provide up to 50 hours of light. The kit includes a whole host of extras including a SatLight to spread light even further, a solar panel to create easy energy when its sunny and a charging cable to power your NowLight from the mains.

As we enter the summer months, NowLight is great for the garden, from finding tools in the shed and to brightening up a family BBQ. It is also perfect for outdoors adventures like camping and hiking. In a power cut or other emergency, NowLight is always ready, just pull the cord for light and power.

NowLight has also been designed to support households who live without electricity or who have been displaced by natural disasters or conflict, providing a reliable source of lighting and power for mobile devices. In fact, through partnerships with humanitarian organisations, you have the option to donate a NowLight when you buy one for yourself.

Purchase your NowLight here today we will have our review soon.