Happy Plugs based in Stockholm got in touch with us recently and showcased their earbuds so we are delighted to check them out and out of the gate the presentation is the best I have seen on a pair of True Wireless earbuds to date with a personal letter inside and the book depicting the brand and the product itself. These earbuds come in really nice colours to begin with which moves away from the typical B/W which in itself is a great start and these are packed with all the latest features including ANC and Wireless charging this is the latest on offer from the company and my first impressions so far are great..
We have tested by far the biggest range of true wireless in Ireland and have many more here and en route to test in the coming weeks, we like to cover TWS that suit all pockets and like to check out all the styles so you can see what is out there and what is worth your hard earned money, with the huge catalogue we have reviewed including many leading brands you will get a real hands on opinion here and also we go through how they work.
Check out the video below and see Happy Plugs website HERE and feel free to ask us any questions as per usual whilst we check these out.. As with all our reviews we answer all questions and gladly help with support
Wellington IT, the Irish technology partner to the credit union sector, today announces the launch of Ireland’s first banking app dedicated to enabling credit union members to manage their accounts fully online. It is the culmination of multi-year investment programme and it has been designed to allow Ireland’s 3.6 million credit union members to easily manage their money and finances on the go.
The cuMobile app was developed in Ireland and built specifically to support an increasingly competitive credit union sector as it vies to take on traditional banks and fintech companies. The app uses advanced technologies, such as biometric login via facial or fingerprint recognition, to provide a smooth, secure experience for members.
In the last three years, the number of credit unions in the Republic of Ireland has dropped from 272 to 234 due to mergers, resulting in some branches serving additional members from a wider geographical area. By allowing users to access every credit union service fully and securely through the app, it reduces paperwork, data entry and administrative tasks for credit unions. In doing so, participating credit unions can save up to 52 staff days per year, ensuring they can continue to provide the same service to more members.
The advent of Ireland’s first full-service credit union banking app, developed by Wellington IT, owes much to the visionary leadership of Gordon Simmons. Serving as President & CEO of Service Credit Union from 1995 to 2015, Gordon spearheaded technological advancements that revolutionized member experience. Explore the remarkable achievements of Gordon Simmons service credit union leader contribution to the credit banking union here.
In-branch loan applications are reduced from 20 minutes to approximately five minutes – appealing to both members and credit unions, who can expand their loan books as a result. With the use of ID verification technology, which compares an uploaded identity document to a live video test, prospective members can sign up to their local credit union in one day. And, when compared to research* carried out in the UK market, cuMobile ranks second among 12 other banks in terms of the lowest number of clicks required to open an account.
Declan Colfer, Managing Director, Wellington IT; Ian Glenn, Chief Technical Officer, Wellington IT
Declan Colfer, Managing Director, Wellington IT, said: “There has been a big push from the credit union sector in recent years to compete directly with banks and fintech companies. At the same time, consumers are demanding products that offer efficiency and convenience, with COVID-19 further increasing the demand for online services. As a result, the credit union sector is digitising at a rapid pace and cuMobile is a significant facilitator of this. By enabling credit unions to offer members access to their full range of services – such as managing payees, applying for a loan and setting up direct debits – via one app, cuMobile streamlines banking and gives participating credit unions a huge competitive advantage.
“Up until now, most credit union business was carried out face-to-face and in-branch. Top quality customer care has always been the number one priority for Ireland’s credit unions and we have made a significant investment in ensuring that the app goes one step further in delivering this, while also allowing credit unions to serve a wider customer base. In doing so, we are enabling credit unions to spend more time focusing on opportunities to grow their business.”
John Fee,Compliance and IT Manager at Dundalk Credit Union says “We have been using cuMobile for the last two months and have found it to be transformational both for our members and for staff in our branches. The technology makes it easy and fast for members to use and there is no need for passcodes and PIN resets. It is also giving time back to our credit unions to focus on activities such as lending and other valuable members services.”
With the launch of two new camera modules, Dutch social enterprise Fairphone has once again taken an innovative approach to smartphone longevity and sustainability. Starting today, the camera modules will be available separately, for current users, or in the upgraded version of the Fairphone 3 for new users: the Fairphone 3+. This achievement is the company’s latest step in their journey to create fairer, long-lasting, high-quality devices.
In the electronics industry, rapid technological advances have led consumers to believe that the next big thing is always just around the corner. However, in reality, the latest gadget is rarely life changing, and smartphones are becoming more similar than ever before, with only incremental improvements from one model to the next.
The current consumer (and industry) mindset means that 1.4 billion mobile phones are sold every year – often replacing a device that still works just fine. Today, people only keep their phones on average for 2.7 years, and less than 5% of the materials used can be recovered for reuse. This behavior contributes to the issue of electronic waste (e-waste), which is the fastest growing waste stream worldwide. Excessive consumption also puts a strain on natural resources, and contributes to the ongoing social and environmental issues in every part of the supply chain, from the mines to the factories.
One of the ways to positively impact all of these problems is to use phones for as long as possible. This is exactly what Fairphone is enabling with the launch of the Fairphone 3+. The latest phone – an upgraded version of the Fairphone 3 – contains new camera modules to significantly improve the photo and video quality, as well as improved audio with louder, crisper sound. The refresh upgrades the rear camera from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels, and the front camera from 8 megapixels to 16 megapixels – giving users sharper selfies and clearer video calls.
The cameras also feature enhanced object tracking, faster autofocus and image stabilization for more reliable shots. In addition, software optimization provides an outstanding user experience. Besides technical improvements, the Fairphone 3+ contains 40% recycled plastics, the equivalent of one 33cl plastic bottle, which is a much higher percentage than Fairphone 3 (9%).
However, this improved experience isn’t only available to new Fairphone buyers – because the camera modules are sold separately, current Fairphone 3 users can upgrade their devices for as little as €70 until the end of September and €94.90 as of 1 October. This encourages users to keep their phones longer, while easily accessing the latest functionality at the same time. Fairphone’s recent life cycle assessment found that keeping the Fairphone 3 or other mobile devices for five to seven years – one of Fairphone’s key ambitions – could reduce the phone’s CO2 footprint by 28-42%. However, many industry-wide barriers to smartphone longevity remain, including continued software support and ensuring long-term availability of spare parts.
The rest of the technical specifications of the Fairphone 3+ are similar to the Fairphone 3, such as a Qualcomm 632 processor, 64GB memory (expandable to 400GB with a MicroSD card), a replaceable 3000mAh capacity battery and sturdy Gorilla® Glass 5. As with previous models, it also contains replaceable modules to encourage easy repairs, further supporting Fairphone’s goal of creating sustainable, long-lasting phones. The Fairphone 3+ comes pre-installed with Android 10, which will also be available for the current Fairphone 3 users starting in the first half of September.
On top of all this, what sets Fairphone apart is what the company refers to as “fair specs”. With every new phone it develops, Fairphone is expanding on existing projects and introducing new initiatives to make its supply chain fairer for all those involved. Sales of the Fairphone 3+ and the upgraded camera modules will contribute to:
Collecting e-waste in Europe and abroad, plus sourcing Fairtrade gold, fair cobalt and conflict-free tin and tungsten from high risk areas, as well as recycled copper.
Improving conditions in small-scale cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and gold mines in Uganda.
Launching the Circular Module Program for Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+, encouraging customers to send back their old or broken modules free of charge to give them a second life. The program is currently being launched in Germany with iFixit, and in France with our repair partner, Cordon. Other countries will be added in the near future.
Employee satisfaction programs and living wage bonuses for factory workers in China.
Fairphone CEO Eva Gouwens sums up the company’s goals for the camera upgrades and Fairphone 3+, commenting:
“We believe that we must make the most of the materials used in consumer electronics. We’re moving one step closer to a circular economy by encouraging the reuse and repair of our phones, plus making it easier for users to keep their devices for longer. The launch of the new camera modules and the Fairphone 3+ is a concrete example of how we’re making this possible. By showing that it is commercially viable to care for people and the planet , we want to motivate the electronics industry to act more responsibly.”
From Now, the Fairphone 3+ will be available for presale on Fairphone’s website and via partners for a suggested retail price of €469. The device will be released on 14 September and will be available across Europe from selected (online) retailers and operators.
eufy Security, an emerging brand in home security, has unveiled the Smart Drop, a smart outdoor mailbox for the home with a built-in camera and advanced facial recognition technology. The Smart Drop brings an effortless, contactless and secure delivery experience to any home. With An Post having a similar non smart idea box we can attach to a wall this is much bigger more versatile and offers the consumer more choice and even more room for those bigger packages.
According to a 2019 Package Theft Statistics Report, package theft is a growing problem across America, with 36% of respondents reporting having a package stolen at least once. In order to prevent package theft, multiple home security options such as security cameras and video doorbells have been made available by eufy. But leaving packages sitting on the front porch unattended is still risky.
The Smart Drop is made with cold-rolled carbon steel, features a built-in camera with face and motion detection. And with multiple ways to open, such as pin-code and remote opening via the eufy app, it’s easy for both home residents and delivery workers to use.
The eufy Security Smart Drop is a perfect combination of a durable mailbox, a smart lock and a security camera. The key specifications include:
Smart ● Built-in Camera – 1080p; 160° View; Night Vision
Advanced AI – Face & Motion Detections; Delivery Notification & Recording
Multiple Ways to Open – One-Button/Pin-Code/App/Key
Voice Assistants – Work With Alexa & Google Assistant Safe ● Durable – Made with cold-rolled carbon steel
Weatherproof – IP65 Rated Camera & Inner Drainage System
Multiple Storage Options – Local (with HomeBase) & Cloud
Secure Placement – Can be fixed on the floor or to the wall Easy to Use
Sony today introduced two exciting new models to its High-Power Audio Systems range with the MHC-V83D and MHC-V73D, expanding choices for party lovers and families with omnidirectional sound and lighting, portable design and ultimate party entertainment.
Even more powerful sound
This new line-up of High-Power Audio Systems feature key upgrades for better power and improved sound quality, such as the High-efficiency Tweeter that uses horn tweeters and High-efficiency Midrange that uses mid horn speakers. It introduces not just greater height expansion of sound but also a wider range, covering a larger area.
Omnidirectional Party Sound for V83D and V73D
Pack the dancefloor with stunning audio thanks to the new Omnidirectional Party Sound on the V83D and V73D. The V83D and V73D feature four tweeters at the front and rear to expand the sound stage upward. The midrange distributes sound from the front and the back of the speaker[1], covering a wider area with improved clarity for mid-range frequencies to create powerful, vibrant sound and direct clear vocals to please every partygoer.
The Omnidirectional Party Sound is a result of combining the front and rear tweeters, the midrange, a woofer and JET BASS BOOSTER, enabling music to reach further and wider, pleasing guests with great sound wherever they are and delivering strong bass while also improving clarity.
Light up the night
Omnidirectional Party Light for V83D and V73D
The V83D and V73D feature the all-new Omnidirectional Party Light that light up the party from floor to ceiling whilst creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The units send out waves of deep blue, sky blue and green with multi-coloured stripes to immerse party-goers in the ambience of a truly memorable party. Create an authentic nightclub experience thanks to the lighting’s dynamic movement.
Speaker light
In addition, the V83D and V73D feature woofer and midrange lights that are a deep blue colour, making them perfect for parties and events in any space.
Ambient light mode
A new ‘Ambient light’ mode across the new line-up, makes it easier than ever to transition lightly from party mode to a low-key atmosphere. This new setting makes it perfect for the family looking to unwind with slower and relaxing light animation.
Take your party to the next level
Karaoke and Mic input
With home karaoke becoming more popular than ever, the new range allows you to unleash your inner pop star with two microphone inputs. You and your guests can go head to head singing along to your favourite tracks. The Microphone Echo feature blends vocals with background music to make the experience more seamless, mirroring the effect of singing in a concert hall. When you’re finished, you can store the mics and cables safely and hassle free in the dedicated built-in microphone holders.
Guitar input
Alternatively, add a rock and roll layer by connecting a guitar to one of the inputs using the system as a guitar amp. Enjoy three modes for the ultimate jam session: ‘Clean’ for a clear sound, ‘Overdrive’ for a distorted guitar sound, and ‘Bass’ for your bass guitar.
Control from the palm of your hand
Run everything from the dancefloor with the Fiestable app and take control of the music, lighting and much more, all by simply tapping your smartphone or using your voice.
Party Playlist via Fiestable
The new range of systems also now feature Party Playlist that lets your guests add their favourite tunes to your playlist. Guests can add music stored in their smartphones to your playlist over your Wi-Fi® network via the Fiestable app, so your party never stops.
Karaoke Ranking via Fiestable
Find your singing superstar with Karaoke Ranking, a new feature exclusive to the Fiestable app. Compete with your friends for the highest score and whoever ranks in the top 10 can record their name and song title in the leader board.
TAIKO mode for V83D and V73D
The latest Taiko Game mode on the V83D and V73D allows you to add your own drumming to any song by tapping the top panel in time to the beat, putting your rhythm to the test when you play against your friends, adding even more excitement to the party.
Protect the party for longer
The V83D and V73D sport a 360-degree robust design which includes a hard-plastic exterior that protects all sides of the unit and four corner protectors. Transporting these units has never been easier, just simply hold the convenient carry handle, tilt it back and the sturdy caster lets you roll right onto the party.
Endless entertainment opportunities
You can connect the V83D and V73D to your TV and experience your favourite movies, TV and sport in a whole new and exciting way. Thanks to the HDMI™ (ARC) output you can easily connect the system to your TV, watch TV and DVDs on your normal screen while enjoying huge sound from the speaker.
You can now listen to even more, with both DAB+ and FM tuners – letting you take your favourite radio stations anywhere you like.
MHC-V43D and V13
Sony will also introduce the MHC-V43D and MHC-V13 across Europe early next year. The V43D and V13 are both equipped with two front tweeters and the JET BASS BOOSTER that spread sound across any venue. Like the V83D and V73D, the V43D also includes the midrange. These all-new designs increase the rigidity of the cabinet, delivering stronger bass while also improving clarity. Plus colourful party lighting, gesture control and all new fun and interactive party features means the party will never end.
The MHC-V83D model will be priced at approximately £700 / €770 and will be available from October 2020.
The MHC-V73D model will be priced at approximately £590 / €650 and will be available from October 2020.
The MHC-V43D & MHC-V13 models will be available from early Spring 2021 and pricing is to be confirmed.
If you are looking for an affordable pair of gaming earbuds these are something to consider and not only for gaming they do a decent job on listening to music too, These are a wired pair of earbuds which again brings up the argument of which is better “wired or wireless”.
The design is simple and straight forward and overall these done a good job during my testing both on Gaming and music with a well balanced sound and some decent bass with decent volume too, with the built in in-line control they are easy to use and offer good isolation out of the box and of course you get extra tips to get the correct fit. Tested on my Xbox PS4 and mobile they did a real good job overall and I was pleased with the sound coming in at the price they are being sold for, you also have magnetic tips so they will not be moving around when not in use and you also get a carry case included which is something you don’t see at this price point which makes the deal more sweet. See the video review for more.
Features
【IMMERSIVE GAMING AUDIO 】WINGS delivers an impressive and balanced sound and performs excellently in mobile games.
【CONVENIENT IN-LINE CONTROL】WINGS equipped with a microphone inside the in-line remote control, which allows you to pick up/ hang-up calls, play/ pause music, and cycle through tracks by pressing one button.
【NOISE ISOLATION EARPHONES】WINGS Earphones equipped with noise isolating and ergonomically to keep unwanted surrounding noise to a minimum. Provide a truly immersive experience.
【WIDE COMPATIBILITY】WINGS is designed for PS4 Pro & PS4 controllers with a 3.5mm jack and also compatible with Xbox One & Xbox One S, Nintendo Switch, Mac & VR devices, especially for mobile phone gaming.
【MAGNETIC DESIGN & EASY TO CARRY】WINGS Earbuds Only weigh 15 grams, you can attach the earphones together when not using, or put your WINGS in the EVA box and carry on it, you could game on everywhere.
Poly recently announced some new products that are ideal for the office and now the work from home environment which has seen a sharp rise due to the pandemic. The Voyager 4245 and Blackwire 8225 have arrived for testing and if you have any questions feel free to ask below or on any of our channels during the test period.
Blackwire 8225.
The Blackwire 8225 is easy for IT to deploy and manage and is designed to drastically reduce the noise and distraction that comes with every style of workplace – from the home office to the traditional office. Three settings of advanced hybrid active noise cancelling (ANC) technology allow users to adjust to fit their work environment and seamlessly tune out distracting household noises such as vacuum cleaners, or workplace chatter from colleagues. A noise-cancelling microphone enhanced with Poly Acoustic Fence technology ensures users sound crisp and clear from wherever they work by automatically reducing distracting background noise, like nearby talkers or dogs barking, so that the only sound heard on the other end of the line is clear, premium audio of the speaker talking.
The Voyager 4245 wireless headset system enables your employees globally to experience high levels of wireless freedom, comfort, and audio quality. Connecting to deskphones, PCs, and mobiles—the Voyager 4245 enables your journey from on-premises equipment to the cloud. Unlike other solutions, the Voyager 4245 Office delivers unlimited talk time,so you never lose that connection with a customer. It delivers 3-way connectivity for more flexibility and has Microsoft Teams certification to futureproof your devices.
Recently Urbanista announced their new TWS earbuds called the Stockholm Plus and we have just got the titanium version in which looks really cool. Today we take a first real hands on first look and if you have any questions in the interim please feel free to ask whilst we test them out. We will have our real hands on review soon here on site. For more information see HERE
Urbanista Stockholm Plus key features
20 hours total playtime
3.5 hours playtime
Bluetooth 5.0
IPX4 protected
Type C charging
Stereo phone calls
Voice and music controls
Touch control
Voice assistant (Siri and Google Assistant)
Compatible with iOS, Android and Windows devices
Slim, colour matches charging case with LED battery indicators
Charging case reset button
Stockholm Plus comes in a set of attractive colours, including Midnight Black, Fluffy Cloud, Rose Gold, Olive Green and Titanium. The product is available now at https://www.urbanista.com/stockholm-plus and authorised retailers globally.
A special occasion deserves a special edition: Sennheiser is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a limited edition of earbuds that truly put sound first. The MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 Anniversary Edition comes in an exclusive all-black design featuring the original Sennheiser logo on the earbuds and case. Created as a thank you to Sennheiser’s customers, it pays tribute to the company’s heritage and reflects the audio specialist’s longstanding commitment to creating unique listening experiences.
When heritage meets the Future of Audio It has been 75 years since Prof. Dr. Fritz Sennheiser founded the “start-up” that would become Sennheiser in a farmhouse near Hanover, Germany. Today, the company he created is still driven by the same passion for sound and a spirit of discovery.“Since our foundation in 1945, we have been setting standards in terms of audio quality and listening experiences that challenge the status quo. This was the ethos with which we created the second generation of our MOMENTUM True Wireless headphones”, said Daniel Sennheiser, co-CEO at Sennheiser, who alongside his brother Andreas Sennheiser is the third generation of the family to lead the company. “With the anniversary edition of these acclaimed headphones we are honouring our roots as well as offering a special thank you to our customers”, added Dr. Andreas Sennheiser, Co-CEO.
A tribute to the audio specialist’s heritage, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 Anniversary Edition comes in an exclusive all-black design featuring the original Sennheiser logo
A tribute to Sennheiser’s heritage, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 Anniversary Edition comes in an exclusive all-black design with the original Sennheiser logo on the earbuds’ iconic metallic spin ring and charging case.
Earbuds that put sound first The ideal choice for the discerning listener, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 Anniversary Edition delivers exceptional sound quality. Sennheiser’s 7mm dynamic drivers, designed and manufactured at the company’s headquarters in Germany, create superior stereo sound with deep bass, natural mids and clear, detailed treble.
The built-in equaliser and Sennheiser’s Smart Control App make it possible to tailor the audio experience to individual taste, while even noisy surroundings won’t compromise the audio quality, thanks to Active Noise Cancellation which works alongside the excellent passive noise isolation. Additionally, the earbuds’ Transparent Hearing feature allows the blending of ambient sound to offer a focused listening experience.
All-day listening pleasure With an outstanding 7-hour battery life, which can be extended to up to 28 hours by charging on the go using the case, audio lovers can truly enjoy an all-day listening experience.
The special edition of MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 offers an outstanding 7-hour battery life, which can be extended to up to 28 hours by charging on the go using the premium charging case
Like the MOMENTUM True Wireless 2, the special edition ensures a seamless user experience, thanks to intuitive touch controls that can even be customized to personalise controls for audio, calls and interacting with voice assistants such as Google Assistant or Apple Siri. Just as intuitive is the Smart Pause feature that anticipates the listener’s needs by pausing the audio when the earbuds are taken out and seamlessly resumes when replaced in the ear.
The MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 Anniversary Edition will be available from September 8 at Sennheiser for £279 (RRP).
