Month: April 2021

Google announces the new 2nd gen Nest Hub and it aims to help you sleep better. #NestHub #Google #2ndGenNest

Google Nest today announces that the second-generation Nest Hub is launching in twelve more countries around the world: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

“We know people already come to Google for information and tools to help them live healthier, happier lives, and we’ve specifically noticed more and more questions about sleep, exercise and health. So we decided to bring these kinds of solutions to our second-generation Nest Hub, while also improving what people already love about it” said Ashton Udall, Product Manager at Google Nest.

The Nest Hub you love, but better

The new Nest Hub’s speaker is based on the same audio technology as Nest Audio and has 50 percent more bass than the original Hub. Fill any room with music, podcasts or audiobooks from services like YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple Music — or enjoy your favorite TV shows and movies with a subscription from providers like Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube. With Quick Gestures, you can pause or play content at any time by tapping the air in front of your display.

The new Nest Hub also shows all your compatible connected devices in one place. And with a built-in Thread radio, Nest Hub will work with the new connectivity standard being created by the Project Connected Home over IP working group, making it even simpler to control your connected home.

New sleep features for better rest

The Nest Hub has always helped you tackle the day; now, it can help you rest well at night. Many of us don’t get enough sleep, which comes with some real risks.

 

In recent years, sleep trackers have become a popular solution. But we wanted to offer an alternative way for people who may not want to wear something to bed to understand their sleep. And we knew people felt comfortable with Nest Hub at their bedsides thanks to its camera-free design, so we went to work. The result is Sleep Sensing, an opt-in feature to help you understand and improve your sleep:

 

Understand your sleep: Sleep Sensing uses Motion Sense (powered by Soli low-energy radar technology) to analyze how the person closest to the display is sleeping, based on their movement and breathing — all without a camera or wearable. Sleep Sensing can also detect sleep disturbances like coughing and snoring or the light and temperature changes in the room with Nest Hub’s built-in microphones and ambient light and temperature sensors, so you can better understand what’s impacting your sleep.

Every morning you’ll receive a personalized sleep summary on your display, or you can view your sleep data anytime on the Nest Hub by asking, “Hey Google, how did I sleep?” Sleep Sensing can also connect to your Google Fit app on Android and iOS devices, so you can see your sleep summary alongside your other health and wellness information on your phone.

Get help for better sleep: Understanding your sleep is an important first step, but you may still have questions about what else you can do to get a better night’s sleep. Sleep Sensing helps by providing tailored bedtime schedules and personalized suggestions for improvement, developed by a team of sleep scientists and using guidance from organizations like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Compiled after several nights of analysis, these suggestions point you to notable aspects of your sleep, educate you on why those areas are important and provide suggestions to improve.

Built with your privacy in mind: Sleep Sensing is completely optional with privacy safeguards in place so you’re in control: You choose if you want to enable it and there’s a visual indicator on the display to let you know when it’s on. Motion Sense only detects motion, not specific bodies or faces, and your coughing and snoring audio data is only processed on the device — it isn’t sent to Google servers. You have multiple controls to disable Sleep Sensing features, including a hardware switch that physically disables the microphone. You can review or delete your sleep data at any time, and consistent with our privacy commitments, it isn’t used for personalized ads.

Sleep Sensing on the second-gen Nest Hub is available as a free preview until next year. We’ll also be looking for ways to integrate with Fitbit’s sleep tracking features to bring the best of both together in the future.

Even if you choose not to enable Sleep Sensing, you can still fall asleep and wake up easier with Nest Hub. The display dims to make your bedroom more sleep-friendly, and the “Your evening” page helps you wind down at night with relaxing sounds. When it’s time to wake up, Nest Hub’s Sunrise Alarm gradually brightens the display and increases the alarm volume. If you need a few more ZZZs, use Motion Sense to wave your hand and snooze the alarm.

Sustainable design that matches any room

The new Nest Hub comes in two colour options: Chalk and Charcoal. It features an edgeless glass display that’s easy to clean and makes your Nest Hub an even more beautiful digital photo frame. And continuing our commitment to sustainability, Nest Hub is designed with recycled materials with its plastic mechanical parts containing 54 percent recycled post-consumer plastic.

The second-generation Nest Hub will be available for €99.99 from the Google Store from the 4th May, 2021.

Twelve South launches new MagicBridge for Apple extended keyboards. #TwelveSouth #MagicBridge

Following on from the success of the MagicBridge, Twelve South, an innovative Apple accessories designer, today introduces the MagicBridge Extended. Merging Apple’s Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad and Magic Trackpad 2 into a one-piece control surface, MagicBridge Extended tidies up your workspace and prevents your keyboard and trackpad from drifting apart.
MagicBridge Extended has a minimalist look in keeping with Apple’s iconic style and is available in black or white, to compliment Silver and Space Grey Magic Keyboards with Numeric Keypad. The polycarbonate material is feather light and therefore doesn’t block Bluetooth signals. Silicone feet on the underside protects any surface it sits on. It also has a precisely engineered grill to the rear which provides easy access to power switches and lightning power ports.
For users who like to work and play away from a desktop setup, it can also be used on one’s lap, providing a stable, unified base. Improving typing and swiping efficiency, the Magic Trackpad 2 can be placed either to the right or left of the keyboard, to please both left and right-handed users.
“The original MagicBridge has proven very popular with Apple users and we have been inundated with requests to make a model compatible with numeric keyboards,” says Andrew Green, Twelve South’s co-founder, “we are delighted that we have such a great relationship with our customers that we can release products based on their feedback and requirements.”
MagicBridge Extended is available now for £44.95 from Amazon.co.uk. For those who don’t have the extended Apple Keyboard, the MagicBridge is available for the smaller Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad 2.

Epson launches new Let’s share wireless presentation systems that eliminates delays #EPSON #ELPWP10 #ELPWP20

With lockdown restrictions easing around the world and many workspaces reopening, Epson has launched two wireless presentation systems – the Let’s share ELPWP10 and ELPWP20 – for use in education and business environments.

The two solutions enable wireless connection to any flat panel or projector display via the wireless transmitters or Epson’s iProjection app or Miracast, from any source such as a laptop or mobile device. Security is ensured via AES-128 encryption.

The ELPWP10 connects any source device directly to a select range of Epson laser display solutions, with users simply plugging the wireless transmitter into their laptop, or using the iProjection app on their mobile device. With the ELPWP20, content can be shared securely from any device to any display via the bundled wireless receiver. Like with the ELPWP10, this is achieved using a wireless transmitter and plugging it into a laptop or connecting another mobile device via the iProjection app or via Miracast.

Both the ELPWP10 and the ELPWP20 also allow content to be displayed from four different devices simultaneously, making content sharing a seamless experience.

Simone Martorina, Business Manager for Visual Instruments, Epson UK, said: “How easily we can share our own work when joining a meeting is one of the main obstacles employees have had to overcome in the modern workspaces. Our new Wireless Presentation Systems were created with this in mind and together with our innovative display solutions, it is the perfect combination to share, see and collaborate using multiple content on a large display. Users can easily switch between multiple sources presenting simultaneously and our new system’s competitive price positioning makes this even more affordable.

“For both models, users can connect up to six transmitters and display up to four different sets of content at the same time. The quick and easy connection means no time is wasted fiddling with cables, which can often delay the start of a meeting or session. Instead, users can focus on delivering compelling content and easily sharing ideas. These devices could not have come at a better time as we head out of lockdown and back into the office and classroom.”

For more information visit: https://www.epson.co.uk

House of Marley announces new Get Together Duo bookshelf speakers.

House of Marley today announces the release of the Get Together Duo bookshelf speakers, an expansion of the popular Get Together line of portable speakers.

A greener alternative to other home audio solutions, the Get Together Duo are designed with the iconic look of the Get Together collection using mindfully sourced materials including bamboo and House of Marley’s signature REWIND™ fabric, crafted from reclaimed organic cotton and hemp.

“Our conscious construction is unique not only to our materials but how we apply them to the product. We use materials not only for their sustainable properties and their aesthetic quality, but also for their acoustical, mechanical properties as well,” explains House of Marley Director of Product Development, Josh Poulsen. “The bamboo in the Get Together Duo provides a modern look that’s rooted in a highly renewable natural resource. Produced using a carbon positive process, bamboo has a higher compressive strength than wood and a tensile strength that rivals steel. This allows the speakers to be more durable, while also enhancing the warm, rich sound.”

The Get Together Duo speaker pair features 20 hours of playtime with complete versatility to sync with mobile devices, televisions, laptops or turntables while delivering powerful stereo sound. Each measuring 20cm tall, 13cm wide and 10cm deep, the speakers offer a perfect fit for the home from living rooms to home offices as compact, functional statement pieces that sound as good as they look. Pair the Get Together Duo with House of Marley’s Stir it Up Wireless turntable to complete the seamless, natural look of the bamboo collection.

Wireless connectivity between the two speakers provides added functionality from a traditional bookshelf home audio setup. The mains powered speaker can remain on the shelf while the second battery powered speaker’s portability allows it to accompany you to the other side of the room, house, or even outdoors for an expansive listening experience.

GET TOGETHER DUO PRODUCT FEATURES

  • Materials: Bamboo and REWIND™ fabric.
  • 1 mains powered speaker
  • 1 battery powered speaker – 20 hour playtime
  • 2 x 3.5” Woofers and 1” Tweeters; 20W
  • Bluetooth™ 5.0
  • AUX and Phono input connectivity
  • USB-C charging
  • RRP £179.99

Get Together Duo is available now at www.houseofmarley.co.uk and Amazon.

BluOS Expands Music Streaming Services and Becomes the First to Bring MQA Content to Internet Radio

BluOS, the premium multi-room music management platform by Lenbrook International, has announced a number of enhancements that will come with today’s release of version 3.14. Users will be prompted to update their BluOS players, at which time they will gain access to three new natively-integrated streaming services, exclusive access to Radio Paradise MQA-encoded audio streams and various performance improvements. The BluOS 3.14 update supports all BluOS Enabled devices from NAD Electronics, Bluesound, DALI Loudspeakers, Monitor Audio, and future products from Peachtree Audio, Roksan and PSB Speakers.

NEW STREAMING SERVICES

Spotify (Free version), SiriusXM and SiriusXM Music for Business join more than 20 other streaming services already available to BluOS users, expanding the variety and sources of audio content that can be enjoyed on BluOS Enabled products.

BluOS, Radio Paradise and MQA Partner to Deliver BluOS Users Exclusive MQA-Encoded Content

Effective with the BluOS 3.14 software update, BluOS user globally will have exclusive access to Radio Paradise MQA-encoded audio, utilizing high-resolution 24-bit masters where available.  Radio Paradise is an independent, listener-supported Internet radio service with a focus on providing the highest quality audio experience to a passionate worldwide audience. This collaboration marks the first time an internet radio station will carry MQA-encoded content.

Spotify (Free version)

In addition to Spotify Premium currently offered to BluOS users, we are pleased to now support the free version of Spotify. Spotify is one of the world’s largest music streaming service providers and features a library of more than 70 million songs. Spotify makes it easy to listen to the songs you love, discover new music and podcasts and creates personalized playlists.

The integration of SiriusXM, the largest audio entertainment company in North America, allows BluOS users in the USA and Canada who are SiriusXM subscribers the ability to browse and select from hundreds of channels of commercial-free music, premier sports talk and live events, and the latest local and world news, on demand, from within the BluOS app.

With BluOS 3.14, Bluesound Professional, the premium distributed audio ecosystem for commercial spaces adds SiriusXM Music for Business to its growing list of commercially licensed streaming music partners. Available to SiriusXM Music for Business subscribers in the USA and Canada, the service offers Bluesound Professional users a curated, licensed audio content to enhance client experiences in retail, hospitality and other commercial spaces.

Other Feature/Maintenance Improvements

The BluOS 3.14 release also includes various feature/maintenance improvements. These include:

  • NAD M33 and T 778 are Roon Ready for music management and streaming
  • New, more intuitive play queue design that deepens the listening experience with enhanced visuals
  • Roon improvements for grouping and signal path reporting
  • Updates to TIDAL, Qobuz, Amazon Music and Deezer
  • Improvements to library indexing for file permissions and handling unreadable audio files
  • Performance improvements for WiFi

5 Ways Technology Can Keep You Safe in Your Car

This Blog has been written and provided by An Post Insurance. #ad

Thankfully, we’ve come a long way from the days when seat belts and airbags were the height of car safety.  Even though these are still very important aspects of car safety, nowadays, with technology so advanced, there are more and more safety features built into our cars.  Here, An Post Insurance look at five of the latest advances in technology that may help keep us safer in our cars.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

It’s not always easy to keep an eye on the speedometer to make sure you’re staying within the speed limits. Ford.com offer three different ACC options beyond the usual Cruise Control.

Ford explains that their ACC with Stop-and-Go not only lets you keep a set speed, but it also helps you keep a defined distance from the vehicle in front of you. It’ll even come to a complete stop if needed.

Ford tells us you can also add Lane Centering which detects lane markings on the road to keep your vehicle securely in your lane. Ford’s 3rd option is Intelligent ACC, which adds speed sign recognition that automatically adjusts the set speed of your vehicle to the posted limit. This should help to keep drivers safely within the speed limit, reducing risk and helping avoid penalty points too!

Automatic Emergency Braking

This technology aims to reduce potential collisions on the road. Renault Ireland call it their Active Emergency Braking System. The system alerts the driver to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists at low speeds and takes control of braking if the driver doesn’t appear to react, aiming to help avoid a collision with other road users.

For those looking to enhance both safety and performance, combining advanced braking systems with lowering springs can improve the car’s handling, offering better stability during emergency stops. These modifications not only lower the center of gravity but also complement modern safety features like emergency braking for a more secure driving experience.

Rear View Camera

Rear view cameras are not only handy for parking, guiding the driver neatly into their spot, but they could also help prevent children and animals from being accidentally injured. Citroën Ireland explains that their reversing camera shows the area behind the car once the car goes into reverse. The picture appears on the main cabin screen and displays different colours to show how close objects are to your vehicle. 

Blind Spot Detection

The blind spot detection technology available from Renault Ireland works to help prevent crashes or collisions. It lights up an LED in the mirror letting you know there’s a vehicle approaching in your blind spot, so you don’t drive out and risk a possible collision.

Safety Exit Assist

The Safety Exit Assist System is very clever and is ideal for a family car. When reviewing the Hyundai Sante Fe, CarsIreland.ie explains that this feature aims to stop kids from opening the back doors onto oncoming traffic and cyclists by locking them when it senses objects approaching. It could be particularly useful during school drop-offs, when cars, pedestrians and cyclists are moving in close proximity to each other. Just one small way to make those busy mornings a little safer, and a lot less stressful. 

All of these new technological advances can make you feel safer on your journey. For further protection, find a great value car insurance quote from An Post Insurance now.

One Direct (Ireland) Limited, trading as An Post Insurance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. One Direct (Ireland) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of An Post.

This blog post is not intended as an advertisement for any of the brands or websites mentioned. All the information on this blog is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. While An Post Insurance makes every effort to ensure that the information appearing on this blog is accurate and complete, it does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability or accuracy of this information, whether express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or non-infringement. Any action you take upon the information you find on this blog is strictly at your own risk. An Post Insurance will not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses and/or damages in connection with the use of, or action taken in reliance on information contained in our blog.

Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of An Post Insurance. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites and if you click on links to these websites you will be subject to the terms and conditions of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

Twelve South introduces the Stone’r. #TwelveSouth

Twelve South, a leading designer of Apple accessories, today introduces the Stone’r, a weighted marble base that holds Apple’s MagSafe Charger in place so users can grab their iPhone with one hand, without the charging disc sticking to it. The Stone’r is the perfect place for the iPhone 12 to charge and chill.

For all the greatness of the Apple MagSafe Charger, there is one annoying fact – it takes two hands to physically detach the magnetic charging disc from the back of the iPhone. Enter the Twelve South Stone’r. Weighing one kilo and made from elegant Banswara White Marble, the Stone’r is heavy enough to stop the Apple MagSafe Charger from clinging to the iPhone 12 once it’s fully charged. The Stone’r lets users enjoy wireless charging the way it was meant to be.

A new high in iPhone 12 accessories, the Stone’r transforms the Apple MagSafe Charger into a stylish charging stand. Perfect for a bedside table or desk, not only does it prevent the charging disc from slipping to the floor when not in use, it has a non-slip grip base that protects the surface beneath it. The Stone’r also elevates an iPhone slightly so fingers can easily get underneath to pick up the phone, with one hand.

Knowing users will need to take their MagSafe Charger with them when they travel, the Stone’r also features a finger hole in the base enabling the charging disc to be easily popped out. This means users can continue to enjoy blazing fast charging with the Apple MagSafe Charger wherever they roam.

Happy April Foo…wait. The Stone’r started out as a concept for April Fools’ Day however, if enough people pre-order, Twelve South will make it for real. The Stone’r is available to pre-order today for $34.99 from here. Once a minimum number of Stone’rs have been ordered, production will start and Twelve South will ship to customers as quickly as possible. In the unlikely event that the required minimum order is not reached, Twelve South will refund any existing pre-orders immediately.  Customers have until 20.4.21 to pre-order.

First look at the Edifier TWSNB2 #Edifier #Tech #TWSNB2

Fresh off the shelf the all new Edifier TWSNB2 have dropped in for review. Drawing on the same cutting-edge design, the TWS NB2 earbuds offers an improved look whilst still delivering the same audio quality. Through extensive testing, the new TWS NB2 earbuds offer an immersive listening experience by blocking low to medium external environmental noise frequencies. This Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Technology has elevated noise cancelling capabilities by -40 dB, 30% deeper than the previous generation, utilising advanced electro-acoustic technology and an innovative algorithm. Quick Ambient Mode can be conveniently activated by tapping the earbud, enabling you to hear external noise when it is appropriate, for example, flight announcements or traffic noise.

Today we give them a quick unboxing and we will take them for a test run over the coming week or so and if you have any questions feel free to ask as always we will have our full real hands on review soon..

Price & Availability: Available for £89.99 from Edifier Online –

https://www.edifier.online/products/edifier-tws-nb2-true-wireless-tws-bluetooth-active-noise-cancelling-anc-earbuds-with-touch-control-black-silver