Month: July 2020

ASUS Announces ROG Phone 3 Series and will be available in Ireland #ASUS #ROGPHONE3 #GAMING

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the new ROG Phone 3 series, the latest generation of the world’s most powerful and exciting gaming smartphone. The series includes the flagship ROG Phone 3 and the ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition. We will have a review soon so stay tuned for that…

ROG Phone 3 is the most powerful ROG Phone ever, using the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus 5G Mobile Platform with advanced 5G mobile communications and Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gaming capabilities. Featuring the uprated GameCool 3 cooling system, ROG Phone 3 is engineered to deliver non-stop, ultra-smooth performance for the ultimate mobile gaming experience.

A 144 Hz / 1 ms AMOLED 6.59-inch display provides Delta-E colour accuracy of less than one to ensure vivid and accurate imagery, and an industry-leading 25-millisecond touch latency allows a near-instant touch response. The 10-bit display also supports HDR10+ high-dynamic range content for ultimate visual realism.

The distinctive ROG Phone 3 design retains the core gamer-centric benefits of its predecessors, including the unique side-mounted charging port and a monster 6000 mAh battery. The intuitive AirTrigger 3 system now includes a motion sensor in addition to the programmable ultrasonic touch sensors, giving gamers even more ways to control the action. The X Mode performance-optimisation software now supports adjustment of multiple system parameters, making it easier than ever to unlock the full power of ROG Phone 3.

 

The line-up also includes the exciting new ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition, which has the same incredible gamer-centric features as ROG Phone 3. It is powered by the Snapdragon 865 Mobile Platform with a 256 GB UFS 3.1 ROM and 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM.

 

Absolute power

ROG Phone 3 is the most powerful ROG Phone ever, using the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus 5G Mobile Platform, which enables staggering multi-gigabit 5G connectivity and advanced WiFi 6 performance, desktop-level gaming with ultra-realistic graphics, professional-quality high-resolution photography, and intuitive AI experiences. ROG Phone 3 also features Snapdragon Elite Gaming, which delivers ultra-smooth HDR gaming experiences with sustained performance for longer periods of time.

With up to 16 GB of the latest LPDDR5 RAM and up to an ultrafast 512 GB UFS 3.1 ROM, ROG Phone 3 delivers the ultimate in overall performance, so gamers can enjoy a super-smooth gaming experience with absolutely no limitations or compromises. The enhanced X Mode performance-optimisation software now allows customisation of different system parameters to suit any gaming or using scenario. In conjunction with carefully calibrated defaults for optimum performance, it’s easier than ever for serious gamers to unlock the full power of ROG Phone 3.

The upgraded GameCool 3 cooling system has a redesigned 3D vapor chamber, a large graphite film behind the screen to maximise heat transfer, and an enlarged heat sink that’s precisely located to eliminate hotspots. The new cooling system is one of the most effective thermal solutions available on a mobile device and can remove and dissipate the heat generated during full-speed operation via specially designed vents in the back cover.

This allows ROG Phone 3 to easily sustain peak performance during heavy gaming sessions, eliminating throttling to give gamers an expert edge against the competition. For extra cooling during marathon gaming sessions, the new AeroActive Cooler 3 clip-on external fan accessory has been completely redesigned to deliver increased airflow to the hotspots on the casing to lower an astounding amount of heat for greater and longer performance.

Groundbreaking new ROG HyperFusion technology combined with multi-antenna WiFi and 5G allows simultaneous connections to WiFi and the mobile network, with intelligent redirection to whichever has the best signal. This allows mobile gamers to enjoy the strongest possible signal at all times for uninterrupted connections.

 

Stunning visuals

ROG Phone 3 is equipped with a stunning 144 Hz / 1 ms AMOLED 10-bit display. It’s combined with an industry-leading 270 Hz touch-sampling rate that dramatically decreases touch latency to an unprecedented 25 ms, delivering the extreme responsiveness needed to sustain a winning streak. To ensure that visuals on ROG Phone 3 look just like the developer intended, each display is carefully colour-calibrated to ensure a Delta-E colour accuracy of less than one — making it one of the most colour-accurate displays available on a smartphone. There’s also HDR10+ high-dynamic range support for enhanced visual realism. To minimize eye strain while delivering impeccable visuals, ROG Phone 3 passes TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) and Flicker Reduced certifications.

 

Monster battery

The monster 6000 mAh battery in ROG Phone 3 has stamina that can be relied on for even the longest battles. There are multiple passive power-saving mechanisms, including an exclusive hibernate function that can proactively limit background data and power usage in selected apps. These mechanisms significantly prolong the time between charges and also increase battery lifespan.

 

Built for gamers, by gamers

Fully immersive gaming with total control is the design goal of ROG Phone 3, which retains the pioneering landscape-oriented ergonomic design of its predecessors. Upgraded AirTrigger 3 technology provides extra-precise ultrasonic touch controls along the edges of the phone. The gesture capabilities of the AirTrigger 3 side sensors have been further enhanced, including a newly added swipe gesture and dual-partition button emulation, giving gamers a console-level gaming experience. There’s also a brand-new motion sensor that adds another gesture to the armoury, allowing gamers to control the action by shaking the device: it’s a whole new way to interact with the device. AirTrigger 3 gives gamers the very best controls available on a gaming smartphone and sets the ultimate bar for the competition.

The unique side-mounted USB-C® charging port lets users keep their battery topped up without cramping their style while gaming. The port also connects accessories such as the AeroActive Cooler 3, which features a pass-through USB-C connector, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a new kickstand on the back to support ROG Phone 3 on a desk or table for a better viewing and gaming experience.

ROG Phone 3 also receives a significant upgrade to its audio performance, tuned in collaboration with audio specialist Dirac. There’s now a dedicated Game Mode to further enhance in-game sound effects for immersive gameplay. The powerful dual front-facing speakers positioned at the top and bottom of the phone are now more capable of delivering richer and detailed sound, giving perfect stereo imaging in landscape mode. ROG Phone 3 also supports Qualcomm aptX Adaptive for low-latency high-quality audio over Bluetooth connections.

ROG Phone 3 introduces ROG Connect, a new online social community — built into the Armoury Crate app — that allows ROG Phone 3 owners to join and play with friends or squads, or even wow the crowd with their uploaded genius gameplay footage and screenshots. ROG Phone 3 gives gamers the very best sharing and community experience.

The unrivalled range of modular accessories for ROG Phone 3 includes the new modular ROG Kunai 3 Gamepad which adds physical console-like gamepad controls to ROG Phone 3; the new ROG Lighting Armor Case for a stunning appearance; and ROG Clip to attach the phone to selected console controllers for the ultimate mobile gaming experience. ROG Phone 3 can also be expanded to provide true 144 Hz dual-screen gameplay with the new TwinView Dock 3, and the Mobile Desktop Dock allows gamers to connect a desktop keyboard and mouse for a desktop-like gaming experience on an external TV or monitor.

ROG Phone 3 is also proudly partnering with Stadia and Unity to establish a truly integrated gaming ecosystem. Together, the partnership aims to build a more complete mobile gaming experience for today’s gamers by providing their favourite gaming content on the go. See more https://www.asus.com/Phone/ROG-Phone-3/

 

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

ASUS ROG Phone 3 and ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition will be available to pre-order from today across the Republic of Ireland from DID Electrical.

ROG Phone 3 – Strix Edition EUR 829.00

ROG Phone 3 – 12/512 – EUR 999.00

Antibacterial Glass Screen Protector – TBD

Desktop Dock 3 (Dock) – TBD

Glass Screen Protector – EUR 15.99

Kunai 3 Gamepad – EUR 129.99

ROG 3 Aero Case – EUR 19.99

ROG 3 Lighting Armor case – EUR 49.99

ROG Clip – EUR 29.99

Twinview 3 (Station) – EUR 269.99

Twelve South introduces the TimePorter for Apple Watch. #AppleWatch #TwelveSouth #Tech

 Twelve South today introduced the TimePorter, a compact case and charging stand for the Apple Watch. Taking inspiration from a sunglasses case, not only can the neatly designed TimePorter hold all your essential Apple Watch accessories, it also acts as a charging and display stand. Whether users are travelling and need a case for protection or simply want a storage and charging solution that won’t look out of place on a bedside table, the TimePorter is the ultimate companion for the Apple Watch.

The TimePorter can hold everything needed to dress and power an Apple Watch, including the extra-long Apple charging cable, an additional Watch band, a USB charger and more. An integrated portal holds the magnetic charging disc flush with the roof of the TimePorter so users can simply slip their Watch band around the contoured leather case for charging. A built-in spool within the case feeds out just enough cable to reach the nearest power outlet and also stops it from tangling.

The TimePorter can also be used as a display stand due to its multi-angle case top that can be adjusted to give users the perfect view of incoming notifications and alerts whilst the Watch charges. For those who like to use nightstand mode whilst they sleep, just position the Watch horizontally across the TimePorter and angle to view. The magnetic charging disc will hold the watch in place.

The Twelve South TimePorter is available now for £44.99 at Amazon.co.uk.

Review – The Thinkware F200 Dashcam. #Thinkware #Dashcams #Motoring #Tech

Thinkware have multiple dashcams on offer but somewhat different, If memory serves me they only have on model with a screen on the rear which most people are typically use to seeing this F200 does not have a screen and the question people have asked before and again is how do you work them and set them up with nothing to guide you. Fair questions and I find it a tad annoying but when you see how it works via the app you will be fine. The next thing here is installation which out of the box the unit must be hardwired so this will cost you if you cant do it yourself so something to keep in mind. Again people have asked why cant i just plug it into my lighter socket and again fair question and I tend to agree but we are moving on with the times.

Having a hardwired dashcam has more benefits too depending on the model for recording purposes and if parked and so on with detection whilst away from your vehicle, Also they have an app and PC viewer which works really well to but I just use the app myself unless I need something more specific,the app could do with thumbnailed images too but overall works well and we go through that later in the video.

PC VIEWER
The intuitive and simple-to-use interface of THINKWARE DASH CAM allows you an easy and convenient viewing of your recorded videos. Through PC or Mac viewer, you can playback and download recorded videos along with your route history and speed record. You can also change the dash cam settings, format the memory card, or install updates with just a few clicks on the viewer.

Setting up was not a problem either only took a minute or two once wired up and then download the app and follow the simple instructions and away you go,I did notice some disconnections quite often though but this seemed to stop after a few days and reconnecting is easy it is like connecting to a wifi network and job done and best to keep location on too..

THE APP

1 / 11

You might be wondering if the dashcam does anything when you have it connected but dont worry it does and works really well, You get audible notices when you start your motor or when you turn it off and if there is any incidents again the dashcam tells you through the small speaker at the back. Trust me it works I was a bit weary myself but having tested for some time now I am more than happy with how it works and not only that it is small and slender and does not look out of place in your window,in fact you would miss it if you weren’t looking for it.

Overall the footage is good be it in the day or night and you will need to toggle the settings for sensitivity as going over ramps etc will trigger the camera and you get a beep each time,the app could be improved some more but if you are familiar with such apps you will probably like me not bother with the desktop option but it is handy to have too, Another thing to note is nothing got corrupted on my SD card that comes with it which is a nice move as many leave the SD card out, Two weeks in an my card has not been corrupted I do find this happening sometimes with other brands.. Thinkware uses Anti-File Corruption Technology.

You can also buy optional extras to enhance your experience too at a cost but if you want a wire and play option check this one out.

BUY HERE

Neos launches smart leak and smart motion kits. #Neos #NeosSmartHome #NeosSmartKit

New research released today has revealed one in three Brits (21.5 million people) have experienced a leak in the last year. With the average leak costing £632.80, this has cost the nation an eye-watering £13.6 billion. In the longer term, 44.77 million UK residents have experienced a leak in their current or past home.

The research, conducted by Neos is aiming to raise awareness of the damage that leaks from taps and pipes can cause. Many people don’t take precautions against this threat – only one in ten Brits have equipped a leak detector and 11% don’t have insurance – because it is a hidden problem that often only comes to light when it’s too late and the damage is done.

NEOS BOOST

London is the UK’s leak capital, with a shocking 81% of people experiencing a leak in their current or previous home. However, Scots are the most likely to have experienced a leak in the last year (38%). Homes in the South-West of the country are the most leak free, with nearly half (41%) of residents saying they’ve never experienced a leak from a pipe or tap.

 

Interestingly, the data also revealed people living in council housing are less likely to experience a leak – with 52% of homeowners and 55% of private renters experiencing a leak in their property, in contrast to just 42% of those living in a council house.

Including costs covered by individual’s insurers or landlords, leak repair forced Brits to cough up an average of £632.80 per incident, although the research found that it can cost individuals up to £12,000 to repair the damage. Leak victims in Northern Ireland tend to pay the most (£724.40) to fix the damage and those in the East Midlands are most likely to nab a bargain, only paying £424.70 on average. As well, while 30% of those who had experienced a damaging leak had the cost completely covered by their insurance, shockingly 24% of people ended up paying for all of the repairs themselves because they didn’t tell their insurer, perhaps because they didn’t understand their policy or feared being penalised.

 

Matt Poll, co-founder and CEO, Neos says, “Leaks in the home are an incident that many of us don’t think about until they happen. The data has proven, however, that they actually affect most of us. Try asking your friends and family about their experiences – you’ll be surprised at how many have suffered a damaging leak, and at a significant cost to the person if they don’t have insurance.”

 

He continued, “While these findings are worrying, I hope they empower people to seek out options to actively protect their homes from leak damage. Installing leak sensors means that even if a single drop of water is where it shouldn’t be, you will know straight away and be able to act before real damage is caused. There are also other simple steps you can take to protect your home, like switching off your water when you’re out for more than a day or not running water consuming devices, like washing machines and dishwashers, when you’re not home.”

NEOS CAMERA REVIEW 

Neos launched its new Smart Kits, an integrated Smart Leak Sensor Kit and Smart Motion Sensor Kit,on the 22nd July, 2020. The Smart Kits will be for sale via Amazon fend of July and via Dixons and Very in August. The products are great value, coming in at one third of the price of other industry leaders.

 

The Smart Leak Sensor Kit  is designed to detect a single drop of water, preventing small leaks from turning into big problems. It also alerts you to unexpected changes to your home with built-in temperature and humidity sensors. The Smart Motion Kit can capture movements with the Neos Smart Motion Sensor and make any household item smart, from your cat flap to the cookie jar, with its contact sensor. Both kits integrate with the Neos SmartCam, converting it into a  bridge so you can connect all your devices wirelessly and manage them from a single app to check up on your home from wherever you are in the world.

Neos Smart Leak Sensor Kit features:

  • 3x Leak Sensor

  • Built-in Temperature Sensor

  • Built-in Humidity Sensor

  • 1x Smart Bridge

  • Built-in battery Life Indicator

 

Neos Smart Motion Kit features:

  • 2x Open/Close Sensor

  • 1x Motion Sensor

  • 1x Smart Bridge

  • Built-in battery Life Indicator

We will have our review soon.

You can find out more about Neos and its smart home technology here: https://shop.neos.co.uk

Netflix arrives on Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max. #Netflix #Nesthub #Google

The kitchen is a popular place for smart displays in many homes, and for good reason. Whether you’re listening to music, getting the news or catching up on a popular TV show, your Nest Hub keep you entertained while you’re prepping dinner or doing the dishes. It’s also the ultimate cooking companion, with access to tons of YouTube videos ranging from cooking clips to how-to videos. And now, for the first time on any smart display, you can add watching Netflix to your list of kitchen activities: Starting today, Netflix is available on Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max.

The only display for your Netflix fix
Netflix is rolling out on Nest smart displays globally wherever the service and Nest devices are currently available. If you have a  Netflix subscription, simply link your account in the Google Home or Assistant app and you can play Netflix movies, TV shows and documentaries by using your voice. Say, “Hey Google, play Queer Eye” to start streaming instantly, or try, “Hey Google, open Netflix” to scroll through select content and start watching with a simple tap. Hands tied up while you’re cooking? Just pause, play or skip forward with a simple ask.

Hands tied up, but still want to watch? Just ask
Maybe your hands are dirty from cooking, and you don’t want to touch your screen while finding something to watch. By simply using your voice, you can stream many of the services you’re subscribed to.

The smart display with the most entertainment
Now you might even look forward to the nightly post-dinner clean up when using your Nest display as a kitchen TV: You’re also able to cast from your compatible mobile devices to your Nest Hub from streaming services like Disney+,  Prime Video and thousands of other apps that have mobile cast support by opening the streaming service’s mobile app and tapping the Cast icon.

Catching all your favorite shows on your Nest display just got a little more affordable, too: Head over to the Google Store for deals on Nest devices, that are running over the next few weeks. With so many entertainment options on your Nest smart display, your biggest challenge now might just be deciding what to watch.

Ride easy with new biking features in Google Maps #Cycling #GoogleMaps #BikeShare

Summer is in full swing and people across the world are opting to hop on their bikes. Coming in at no. 22, Ireland ranks among the top 30 countries in the world in terms of biking directions usage in Google Maps.  Since February, requests for cycling directions in Google Maps have jumped by 69 percent—hitting an all-time high last month.

In Ireland, Google Maps have seen requests for cycling directions increase by 76% and search interest for “bike repair near me” more than doubled over the past year. Whether people are hitting the road to get their heart pumping or commute safely during COVID-19, Google Maps is making it easier for cyclists everywhere to get on their own bike or a shared one.

Ten years ago, Google introduced biking directions in Google Maps. Now it’s available in nearly 30 countries around the world and millions of people use it every day. As biking habits change, especially as things evolve with COVID-19, we’re constantly updating this information to help you uncover the most reliable bike route.

 

Raise the (handle)bar on biking routes

 

To give you the most up-to-date bike route, Google Maps uses a combination of machine learning, complex algorithms and an understanding of real-world conditions based on imagery and data from government authorities and community contributions. Google Maps also consider various forms of bike lanes and nearby streets that might be less friendly for your two wheels (like tunnels, stairs and poor surface conditions) so you can have the best and smoothest biking route. You can also see how flat or steep your route will be, so you’ll know if you’re in for an easy breezy ride or one that will really get the heart pumping.

 

However, the best route can always change and we are hard at work to reflect new information. For instance, due to COVID-19, many cities are adding and widening bike lanes to encourage cycling and accommodate more riders. Google Maps is already working to integrate hundreds of thousands of new bike lanes in the coming months. Local government agencies can provide this data through the Geo Data Upload tool to have their latest bike lane information reflected in Google Maps.

 

Gear up for new docked bikeshare directions in 10 cities

 

As more people choose to cycle, they’re buying new bikes, fixing up old ones and turning to bike sharing options. In fact, worldwide search interest for “bike repair near me” hit an all-time high this month—more than double what it was last year.

 

For riders opting to use bike sharing, Google Maps is rolling out more detailed information. Over the last several years, Google have launched a dockless bike and scooter integration with Lime in more than 100 cities and introduced real-time docked bikeshare information to help travellers in select cities locate bike sharing stations and real-time availability. With bikeshare providers seeing sharp increases in usage during COVID-19, it’s even more important to quickly and easily check how many bikes are available at the station you’re headed toward and if there are docks available to drop off your bike near your destination.

 

Starting today, when you look up biking directions, you’ll see end-to-end directions that include docked bikeshare information. Steps will include detailed walking directions to bikeshare stations near your starting point along with live bike availability, turn-by-turn cycling directions to the bikeshare station closest to your destination with live dock availability, and, finally, walking directions from there to your final destination. And, for some cities, Maps will show you links to open the relevant bikeshare app to book and unlock the bike.

ASUS to launch its highly anticipated gaming smartphone – the ROG Phone 3 – this Wednesday via live stream #ROGPhone3 #GameChanger

Wednesday 22nd July 2020 at 16:00 BST/UK Time, ASUS will be officially unveiling the latest member of the ROG Phone family to the world; the ROG Phone 3!

At ASUS, their mission has always been to ‘defy ordinary’ by standing out from their peers. ASUS believe all phone users have unique requirements and the new ROG Phone 3 has been specifically designed as the ultimate gaming device for the global gaming community and mobile gaming enthusiasts.

This device is the ultimate expression of their passion for innovation and commitment to their customers and  are excited to share this experience by encouraging you to follow the link to a live streaming of the virtual launch event on the day: Also stay tuned for a review soon..

Join in HERE for the event. Follow live on TWITTER  Follow the hashtag #ROGPhone3
#GameChanger

 

Review – The Gatekeeper Halberd token. #GateKeeper #Security

The Gatekeeper Halberd token is a proximity-based 2FA technology which is a combination of the security key and password manager. This works on the principle that for a computer that is left unlocked with weak passwords ( in violation of many corporate policies on IT security ) the GateKeeper Halberd token use proximity-based authentication sensors via Bluetooth to Lock or unlock the Computer. This allows the automation of security taking the risk out of the individual user been automated. The Gatekeeper can be configured to one computer or the option to be configured to numbers as per the individual or corporate policies. Web accounts are similar in the passwords are stored on the gatekeeper centralised password manager removing the need to remember numerous passwords for 100’s of sites. The option of one time passwords is available.

Features:

The Gatekeeper can come as an individual service, as a once-off purchase for the hardware/software etc or an enterprise version:

Setup:

The setup involved using 2 different software, one for Proximity and one for the password manager, For individual use – https://gkaccess.com/downloads/ (Mac also available )

The  software is installed  with the dashboard configured,

The token option is ticked, add

Add a new device, which connects to the Bluetooth device and the Halberd token ( no need to manually enter and details )

 

 

 

This can be configured to be set up for a new user via the dashboard,  the user can be given a four to 8 digit code to use the gatekeeper. IT departments have full access to set up individuals to a computer or allow multiple staff to access one computer.

 

In the event of loss / forget a Token,  this can be configured as a loan token or factory reset of the lost token removing the option to access the computer. Additional security can be set up to include proximity & a unique pin code for a user.

 

 

GateKeeper Password Manager

This is set up via the GateKeeper desktop application to provide proximity-based access to web passwords.  This is set up as a new  extension  on the chrome browser to allow OTP to your website,

 

 

A challenge for an individual user is where they use example Facebook,  LinkedIn and require to access this, this may involve info from an OTP which would not be accessible from a temporary computer which is not connected via a Token.

An optional additional USB Bluetooth Proximity Sensor can be supplied to allow proximity set up where the PC USB is inaccessible allowing for extended coverage set up.   

The individual user data is stored locally on the Laptop, in the event of loss of the token, the enterprise is stored on the network with a cloud version expected in the next few months.

 

Company:

Untethered Labs, Inc Gatekeeper is a USA company set up in 2015. They develop advanced wireless proximity access control solutions that act as the first line of defence for preventing unauthorized access to enterprise computers and websites.

They provide automated privileged access management solutions for a wide range of industries including healthcare, MSP/MSSPs, law enforcement, manufacturing, and finance. Their technology increases security and reduces support costs with touchless, proximity-based two-factor computer authentication, centralized enterprise password management, and auditing. They have partners in a variety of countries UK, France, Germany, and  Australia, the individual option can be purchased directly from GateKeeper,  the enterprise option is available directly or via their partner network.

 

 Overall:

The Gatekeeper Halberd token is ideal for those in a highly regulated environment while can be used in any environment which requires good security practice.  ISO27001 requires on leaving a laptop, the laptop should be locked, the proximity sensor is ideal for this as automating the process. Staff should be focussed on the day to day job not focussing on the IT department requirements for security. The ability to configure multiple workstations from one Halberd token is great allowing supervisor access to multiple systems in a controlled environment. Many articles on the web flag passwords are dead,  this product is another nail in the coffin for the traditional password allowing flexibility to use and multiple sites without the need for multiple passwords.  This is a dual-purpose device,  security to lock your PC and password protection for your websites.  Any technology that automates the cybersecurity process improves compliance, reduces support costs,  enhancing security and removing the weaker link of the human intervention is a winner.

 

https://gkaccess.com/store/

Review – The Jabra Evolve2 65. #Jabra #JabraEvolve2 #Office #Home #WFM #Tech

The Jabra Evolve2 65 came in the standard colours with their marketing giving clear details of the features of the earphones.  The packaging as with the product looks professional with the packing also defined as crafted with 100% recyclable material. The internal packing was set up as a quick user guide on the features of the individual buttons.

The headset is made of ultra-soft foam cushion covered in colour-matched silicone, ear cushion soft audio foam covered in colour-matched leatherette,  with an aluminium slider arm. The headset connects to multiple devices wirelessly simultaneous, e.g. laptop and phone,

 

Contents:

  •         Headset,
  •         Desk stand
  •         Jabra Link 380 BT adapter, 1.2m/3.9ft
  •         USB-C to USB-A cable,
  •         soft pouch for the headset (not for the stand)
  •         Warranty and warning (safety leaflets)
  • Weight – Stereo 176.4g/6.22ozThe weight is important in terms of wearing for hours, which is comfortable.

 

 

 Key features

  •         Noise-isolating design for ideal concentration: Keeps external sounds out for better work collaboration and listening experience in any environment
  •         Long battery life and improved busy light: Keep interruptions to a minimum with up to 37 hours of battery life – the integrated red LED light shows ongoing conversations
  •         Be heard and understood, wherever you are: 3 microphones, an enhanced digital chipset and the boom arm offer you the best possible audio quality
  •         This Evolve2 65 headset is MS Teams-certified with a dedicated Teams button and meets MS Teams open office requirements
  •         Warranty 2-year warranty

 

The plug-and-play experience includes these benefits:

  •         Automatic selection as the default audio device.
  •         A dedicated Microsoft Teams button to Notifications of Microsoft Teams LED flashes purple when. Microsoft Teams meeting ready to join. Microsoft Teams missed call. …
  •         Voice prompt when the user is wearing the headset.

 

Battery, Charging

The unit came with a Desk stand charger USB A which can be plugged in a standard USB charger or direct to a Laptop.  The headset has 2  gold contacts for the desk stand, alternatively, a USB C charging lead  ( as supplied with most modern Android phones ) can be used. A full charge can provide 37 hours of battery life in 90 minutes. A fast charge of 15 minutes can provide 8 hours of battery life.  While the Desk stand charger is ideal to store and charge the headset, this is an item not used as on the few occasions when the battery was getting low ( as advised on the phone app ) connecting to a power brick with a standard USB C charger cable meant the headset did not need to be removed from its primary purpose. The battery life of 37 hours is great with the option to shut down if not used within the app functionality.

 

Setup:

On the Jabra Evolve2 65, slide and hold (3 seconds) the on/Off/Pairing switch in the “Pairing” position until the LED flashes blue and the Jabra Evolve2 65 announces pairing mode. On your Android device, go to Apps, Settings, Connections, Bluetooth. Ensure Bluetooth is turned On. Your Android device will automatically search for available devices. When the name of your product appears on-screen, tap it to start pairing. When pairing is complete, your Jabra Evolve2 65 is ready to use with your mobile device. If you need to pair a second device, or if the initial pairing fails, restart the pairing process from the beginning.

 LED colours and behaviours.

 

App

Download the Jabra Sound + app for the phone as the setup in the standard for android,

 

Laptop / PC

The Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter can be plugged directly into the USB port as Jabra device is pre-paired in the box. The Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter supports plug-and-play functionality, without needing to install separate software drivers on the computer.

 

Teams calls

The Evolve2 models that are certified for Microsoft Teams support Microsoft Teams as a plug-and-play experience. The plug-and-play experience includes these benefits:

  •         Automatic selection as the default audio device.

A dedicated Microsoft Teams button to:

  •         Notifications of Microsoft Teams LED flashes purple when
  •         Microsoft Teams meeting ready to join
  •         Microsoft Teams missed call
  •         Microsoft Teams voicemails
  •         Microsoft Teams LED flashes green with an incoming Microsoft Teams call
  •         Invocations
  •         Answering incoming Microsoft Teams calls
  •         Opening the meeting “pre-join” screen
  •         Open missed calls screen
  •         Open Microsoft Teams voicemail screen
  •         Bring up Microsoft Teams client from the background
  •         Voice prompt when the user is wearing the headset

 

 

Niggles

Slight niggles were noticed on the boom mic which can be obtrusive when not in use listening to music, the boom mic cannot be disconnected or removed. On receipt of 2 calls e.g. from a laptop teams call and mobile call, the answering can be confusing in terms of the buttons to press, this takes practice to become familiar with the buttons like any other new product I guess.Most modern products as such are the same be it on one side or the other and no removable or detachable. 

 

Overall:

The Jabra Evolve2 65 is quality in the physical feel of the headset, the software is tried and tested from previous models and works well. The core function of making and receiving calls via your phone or Laptop worked easily, The added featured of mute, physically moving the mic to mute or unmute, other standard features we typically expect worked well. It is also a viable product for personal music but Jabra excell here in other areas with the 85H Evolve 2 85  which Jim is testing right now and so far has been more than impressed with these as a hybrid answer or their latest True Wireless the elite active 75t which is tough to beat, with Jabra products they both suit our needs in the environments we both work in which sees different scenarios and some similar and Jabra products fit the bill perfectly and fulfil our needs and more when it comes to quality and features. 

The software provides options for bass depth and clear treble for music, the office functionality in terms of  Microsoft Teams and the consistency in call quality and connection provides a  seamless experience. The Jabra does the simple thing right, connection to multiple devices simultaneously, provided clear call quality and audio experience,  another quality product from a quality company,  A pearl of audio communication experience.

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jabra-Evolve2-Wireless-Headset-USB/dp/B086KBXB3G

The Jabra Evolve2 65 was supplied to us by Jabra with no preview or copy approval and no compensation was provided. You see our reviews the same time the brands we work with do. Additional text and unboxing video by Jim O Brien.