The Future of Music Curation Is AI! #NEOSAI #Music

Innovative AI platform is pioneering the music industry through its proven ability to combine music and tech like never before
It’s no secret that digital streaming platforms are currently dominating the music industry. But for record labels, music aggregators, and distributors alike, it can be both time consuming and expensive to handle massive album releases. Enter NEOS-AI: A unique B2B concept platform designed to revolutionise the music industry, which successfully automates the entire curation and distribution process – meaning labels and distributors can focus on signing and marketing more content, generate more revenues for their music catalogues, and ultimately increase visibility of their music titles worldwide.

 

“Curating music and artwork for distribution is a hassle,” says Bob Shami, CEO of NEOS-AI. “Our platform uses artificial intelligence and best-in-class machine learning algorithms to create products for digital streaming platforms. NEOS-AI takes away all the heavy lifting, ultimately reducing costs and driving efficiencies for distributors.”

NEOS-AI utilizes artificial intelligence to scan and analyze information received into a database, which assembles and organizes all of the metadata with its corresponding assets. Essentially, the tool is designed to replace human tasks such as sorting, organizing, and structuring music libraries for distribution with maximum accuracy and efficiency.

For those wondering the value of automating album distribution, consider the following statistic: RIAA’s semi-annual Music Revenues Report revealed that 80 percent of total industry revenue, or approximately $4.3 billion, is generated through digital streaming platforms. Playlists, particularly on Spotify, constitute a major stake in that game. And, with more than a billion people using audio streaming services and counting, the technology utilized by NEOS-AI is estimated to be worth more than half a billion dollars.

Platform users will be monetized via all streaming and download royalties, which are paid out quarterly. And because NEOS-AI isn’t a service, but instead a partnership between catalog owners (labels) and music distributors, users won’t be charged a fee. Individuals and artists cannot work directly with the platform, however. In order to be eligible to submit a catalog to the platform to be distributed as compilations, all partners must have at least 5,000 tracks.

How exactly does it work? The platform first analyzes a music library and sorts its metadata by genre, mood, and moments. Once NEOS-AI has learned the content, everything from tracklists to song titles and artwork are curated based on predetermined settings. The platform delivers full performance with the ability to customise and tailor settings according to clients’ needs.

“Such new revolutionizing technology has the potential to save all major companies with massive catalogs more money than they make in a year,” says Mr. Shami. “No more music curators, no more graphic designers, no more title curators, no more uploading albums – all of this is done on its own.”

NEOS-AI utilizes five different algorithms to automate the entire curation and distribution process:

 

  • AI-Pilot: Analyzes and sorts metadata by genre, mood, and moments in order to create album tracklists.
  • AI-Art: Designs artwork according to album title, using a library of more than 50 million images and artist-curated templates.
  • AI-Codes: Generates ISRC and UPC codes in a split second using custom or default prefixes.
  • AI-Agenda: Schedules automated tasks with the ability to work months in advance.
  • AI-Release: Distributes albums via API to more than 300 digital streaming platforms worldwide.

 

In addition to data indexing, NEOS-AI is capable of creating curated albums in a matter of a split second. The tool is extremely customizable, with the ability to generate albums based on genre, mood, artist, tempo, and more. Utilizing user behavior analytics to determine which tracks to include on each release, the platform assigns the best choice for commercial success in music distribution.

Album artwork for these curated compilations can be designed intuitively as well. NEOS-AI has a powerful function built in, developed exclusively to generate artwork automatically according to each album’s theme. With access to a library of more than 50 million licensed images, the system is able to select a photo, font, and color scheme based on a smart-keyword driven search.

After compilations are created, all albums are submitted for digital distribution, making them available for streaming and downloading. NEOS-AI boasts a robust outreach of music marketplaces worldwide including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

“Let your money work for you,” says Mr. Shami. “Digital streaming platforms offer the opportunity for massive streaming revenues. Many companies focus on a handful of releases, and forget about the rest of the millions of songs in their catalogs that could be generating millions of dollars in revenue on a monthly basis. These companies can now schedule releases months in advance with a click of a button.”

For more information, visit www.neos-ai.com.

Apple HomePod – Voice control available for Deezer subscribers. #Deezer #AppleHomePod

Global music streaming service Deezer is ready to play all your musical wishes on HomePod and HomePod mini. Music lovers can set Deezer as their default music service and ask Siri to play any song from our global catalogue of 73 million tracks.

All paying subscribers with iOS 14.3 and above and the latest software on HomePod can use their voice to issue a range of easy-to-remember commands, such as “Hey Siri, play my Flow.” You’ll then hear an endless mix of tracks you love as well as suggested tracks to help you discover new artists.

Voice control also allows you to play specific tracks, artists, albums, favorites or playlists. If you haven’t set Deezer as your default, make sure to say “on Deezer” at the end of your command such as, “Hey Siri, play Bad Bunny on Deezer,” or “Hey Siri, play ‘Dance Monkey’ on Deezer.” You can also like or dislike tracks, play on repeat or shuffle.

Deezer HiFi  subscribers can also use their HomePod and HomePod mini to listen to tracks in high fidelity audio. From HiFi Gold playlists to remastered albums, find what you’re looking for in our HiFi Room and let Siri do the rest.

“Our listeners don’t have to compromise on audio quality thanks to HomePod. HiFi users can still enjoy all of their favorite tunes in true lossless audio. But, don’t worry, even if you don’t have HiFi, Deezer on Apple HomePod is the perfect at home companion when you need to multitask or want to give your eyes and fingers a break, said Nicolas Pinoteau, Director of Partnership Solutions at Deezer.

Deezer on HomePod and HomePod mini is available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Spain, UK and USA.

To start using Deezer on Apple HomePod or HomePod mini, make sure to launch the Deezer app and connect your account to your speaker in your settings.

For more information, visit www.deezer.com and www.apple.com.

Own Your Workday with the Latitude 7320 Detachable. #Dell

by Meghana PatwardhanVice President, Dell Latitude and Mobility Products, Dell Technologies

What began as “work-from-home” has evolved, for the moment, to “work-from-anywhere.” I think we can all agree that sounds much better than where we started, doesn’t it?

What’s most exciting about this evolution is that it goes beyond the idea of “work.” We are living in a “do-from-anywhere” world – one where we’re not pinned down to any one location for any one activity, where collaboration or connection happens in many forms and from anywhere. We’ve designed our Latitude PCs for this new world, and while there is so much to consider, we’re doubling down on our investments in connectivity, collaboration, sustainability and security initiatives to enable different use cases.

Designed for mobile professionals that are driven to grow their business and want a thin and light device, (think executives, real estate agents, business consultants and sales reps), the new Latitude 7320 Detachable is sleek, lightweight and ready to support your “do-from-anywhere” day.

Let’s explore a day in the life.

 Kick-off your day like a boss

It’s 8 a.m. I’m running in the door from dropping the kids off at school and need to jump on a video call. Thankfully, this device is packed with the latest bells and whistles, already hard at work before I am. With our presence detection software, Express-Sign-in, (we’re the only commercial detachable in the world with this tech) and our smart kickstand that instantly wakes when powered on, I’m logged in right on time with a quick glance at the device.

You and I both know that video conferencing will continue to be king and helps me see and connect with colleagues and family.  That’s why we packed in an advanced 5 MP front-facing, 8 MP rear-facing camera with Temporal Noise Reduction (TNR) to bring brighter, sharper visuals to video calls so you can have clear picture quality, while on-the-go or in low light. We offer connectivity options you need with Intel Wi-Fi 6, 4G LTE or eSIM capability with an integrated WWAN.

Sustainable, smart design

It’s noon. I need to run to a client meeting and realise I forgot to charge my stylus pen. No problem. We’ve solved for this with the world’s fastest charging stylus pen available on a commercial detachable tablet. It charges to 100% within 30 seconds and last for up to 90 minutes of continuous usage. I know. That’s fast!  How did our engineers do this? Their focus was to create an “always ready experience” by choosing the right battery technology that charges quickly and pairing that with a physical design that allows the pen to charge by contacting the device. Plus, the pen can be stored easily within the device, so it doesn’t get lost. I show up, detach my keyboard so the client can easily see my screen while I control it, and highlight the important info with a ready-to-work pen.

It’s nice outside and I decide to work for a few hours from a coffee shop. Of course, there aren’t any tables available next to a power outlet, but that’s not a problem for me. Our built-in AI software, Dell Optimizer, keeps you focused on what matters while it manages efficiencies like battery life, audio settings and background applications. With all ports and security features in the tablet head, I can enjoy the flexibility of this device and detach without worry. This device also contributes to our 2030 sustainability goals with EPEAT Gold registration; waterborne paint on 100 percent of painted parts; and packaging trays that feature ocean-bound plastic (25%) and HDPE recycled plastic (75%).

 

Powerful, yet cool to the touch

Fast forward and it’s 9 p.m. The kids are asleep and I’m sitting on the couch to finish up work (and catch up on some Netflix). With our “offices” available to us 24/7 these days, it can seem like we are always staring into our screens. With ComfortView Plus low blue light technology and our brightest screen, the Latitude 7320 Detachable eases eye strain and fatigue delivering the most comfortable viewing experience.

And as our first detachable thermally architected with dual opposite outlet fans and the battery positioned along the bottom of the device, it’s comfortable in my hands and cool in the most common touch areas. It is the first Intel EVO-verified detachable, and with up to the latest 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 vPro® processors, it offers built-in security features, manageability, and the stability IT needs, while offering 54 percent more performance than its predecessor. That is why it’s the world’s most powerful, secure and serviceable business detachable for enterprise. (And I think the most beautiful, too.)

What a day. What a device.

Our engineering team did groundbreaking work to design this device, ensuring it was thin and light and cool to the touch, while also having the advanced features you would expect like AI, low blue light tech and more. I encourage you to look at the latest tech device you bought and discover a new feature or new experience that may benefit you or help you accomplish more in your day, from wherever you are. After all, that’s what tech should be about.

The Latitude 7320 Detachable will be available on Dell.ie, starting at €1,459.00.

Sony announces new Mobile ES range offering an elevated standard for Car Audio. #Sony #Audio #Motoring

Sony today introduced the Mobile ES[1] car speaker and subwoofer range, including the XS-162ESXS-160ESXS-690ESXS-680ES and XS-W104ES, setting a new standard for superior in-car entertainment. Developed with various technical updates, the Mobile ES range helps customers experience true to life music from the comfort of their car. Users can listen to their favourite music, boost their mood and transform the car environment.

The new Mobile ES range features the XS-162ES 16cm 2-way Component Speakers, the XS-160ES 16cm 2-way Coaxial Speakers, the XS-690ES 16x24cm 2-way Coaxial Speakers, the XS-680ES 16x20cm 2-way Coaxial Speakers and the XS-W104ES 25cm Subwoofer.

XS-162ES, XS-160ES, XS-690ES and XS-680ES Speakers’ Key Features:

MRC Aramid Fibre Matrix Woofer: Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) is Sony’s original speaker diaphragm material, engineered for high rigidity and good internal loss (low resonant distortion), with a lightweight design. This third-generation compound has been further optimised with mechanical driver improvements to deliver an even wider frequency response and smoother, more natural sound characteristics. Embedding MRC in a unique matrix with aramid fibres suppresses diaphragm resonance and minimises distortion — not only in the lows, but also in the mid and higher frequencies. The result is sound that is powerful at all frequencies and uncommonly clean — even at high volume.

Separated Notch Edge Surround: The woofer surround features another proprietary Sony technology, with distinctive curved notches improving the vertical amplitude symmetry for dramatically reduced distortion and enhanced clarity.

Soft Dome Tweeter: Compatible with High-Resolution Audio, a soft dome tweeter diaphragm is directly attached on the voice coil, designed to cover the music’s ultra-high ends, with a frequency range extending up to 40kHz.

Five-beam Frame Structure & Dynamic Air Diffuser: The Five-beam Frame design disperses resonance while the integrated Dynamic Air Diffuser ensures efficient air circulation for smooth cone travel and cooling of the voice coil.

Progressive Height Rate Spider: The acoustically optimised spider allows for higher power handling and airflow, with a profile designed for more rapid and precise cushioning of the speaker cone.

Phase Plug (XS-162ES Only): The resonance damping phase plug on the XS-162ES woofer helps realise ideal frequency response, right up to the crossover point with the matched tweeters. A rigid aluminium bobbin and Dynamic Air Diffuser further support the speaker’s wide frequency response, for controlled and dynamic bass delivery.

Bi-amp Terminals and Gain Selector in Crossover Networks (XS-162ES Only): The audiophile-grade crossover features an optimal, metalised polypropylene film capacitor with lower dissipation for a smoother high-end. It features a bi-amp capable design to mitigate current distortion to the tweeter when running the woofer with high input levels. A dedicated gain selector balances the woofer and tweeter signal levels and enables tweeter level adjustment even when driving the components from a single amplifier.

XS-W104ES Subwoofer Key Features:

MRC Honeycomb Woofer: MRC (Mica Reinforced Cellular) Honeycomb is specially designed for subwoofers. The core of the diaphragm is a foam-like material with a honeycomb shaped fibre base, which gives flexural rigidity exceeding ten times higher than that of regular PP matrix. This realises astonishingly precise and powerful bass and low distortion simultaneously. Optimised for the newly developed mechanical approaches, this third-generation subwoofer diaphragm offers enhanced frequency response and smooth sound characteristics.

Separated Notch Edge Surround: With distinctive curved notches improving the vertical amplitude symmetry, this technology dramatically reduces distortion and enhances clarity.

Five-beam Frame Structure & Dynamic Air Diffuser: The Five-beam Frame design disperses resonance while the integrated Dynamic Air Diffuser ensures efficient air circulation for smooth cone travel and cooling of the voice coil.

Progressive Height Rate Spider: The acoustically optimised spider allows for higher power handling and airflow, with a profile designed for more rapid and precise cushioning of the speaker cone. To increase signal integrity and prevent sound interference, the lead wire from the voice coil is also sewn to the spider, reducing wire movement.

The XS-162ES will be priced at approximately £230 / €250 and available across Europe from June 2021

The XS-160ES will be priced at approximately £190 / €210 and available across Europe from June 2021

The XS-690ES will be priced at approximately £290 / €320 and available across Europe from June 2021

The XS-680ES will be priced at approximately £180 / €200 and available across Europe from June 2021

The XS-W104ES will be priced at approximately £200 / Є220 and available across Europe from June 2021

First look- PaMu nano and PaMu Quite mini earbuds. #Padmate #PaMuNano #PaMuQuiteMini

Padmate who are behind the PaMu brand that make really good quality earbuds have launched two new models of earbuds and they are now here with us to check out, having test their previous models these offer great value for money with great sound and give a challenge to other brands such as free buds from Huawei for example, Over the last year we have checked out the PAMUSLIDE PAMU SLIDE MINI and the PAMU QUITE and the Quite being their best to date we look forward to checking out the new PaMu Nano and PaMu Quite Mini.

Today we take a first look at the new models and compare to old and if you have any questions feel free to ask whilst we check these out over the coming weeks.. You can pick these up HERE and check out what else is on offer.. stay tuned for a full hands on real review soon on techbuzzireland

Google searches for picnic baskets and windbreakers soar as consumers prepare for an Irish summer outdoors

Irish consumers have started planning for a summer outdoors, and recent Google search terms show that the weather is top of mind with searches for ‘retractable windbreakers for gardens’ increasing by 429% last month.

Other popular items are picnic baskets and barbecue tool sets, searches for which increased by 119% and 180% respectively month-on-month. With recent trends showing a 20,000% increase in searches for “support local businesses”, Google is highlighting the importance of for small businesses to be visible online in order to reach new and existing customers.

Commenting, Alice Mansergh, Director for Small Business at Google said, “These trends show that people are already planning how they are going to make the most of the longer days and warmer weather. We know that Irish consumers are actively supporting local businesses, and what we’re seeing is that they are searching for very niche products to buy locally. This is a prime example of how being visible online and appearing in those search results can help retailers capture business and ultimately drive sales.” 

Google has announced a number of free tools and resources for Irish SMEs to help them transition to operating online, regardless of their skills or resources including the Google for Small Business and free digital skills training.

Google for Small Business is designed for small Irish businesses and provides a free step-by-step guide to taking a business online, from setting up a Google Business Profile to creating a website, along with tips and advice on how to reach and grow a customer base.

“While getting online is crucial for small businesses, it can be overwhelming especially in the midst of the challenges that businesses are facing. We’ve launched Google for Small Business for those who possibly don’t know where to start. Our goal is to support them on their online journey in their own time and at their own pace,” concluded Alice Mansergh.

Any businesses hoping to start reaching customers immediately can do so by setting up a free Google Business Profile and simply adding their location and contact details, in addition to photos of available stock and other details like availability of click and collect and delivery options.

Other Google tools and resources such as free digital skills training is accessible for Irish SMEs on the Grow with Google website.

5 Ways to be More Creative at Work

When it comes to work, you have to bring maximum creativity to the table if you want to get promotions and earn your name in your employer’s good books.  Different people use different approaches to be more productive at work. However, one of the most common mistakes that many people make is that they don’t use practical approaches, and therefore, no matter how hard they try, they end up being less and less productive every day.

If you want to improve your productivity at work and want to do your work efficiently, this blog is just what you need to read. I’ve narrowed down some of the most effective ways that’ll help you in increasing your productivity at work.

So, let’s look at these tips and see how they can improve your work performance.

Start Using the Right Tools 

The first and most essential thing you need to do is to make sure that you are using the right tools to save your time. For example, if you have to convert documents, then you can simply use https://www.sodapdf.com/pdf-editor/ and save a lot of time and effort. Similarly, there are many tools that can save your time that you invest in something more. One such tool to build effective business presentations is visually engaging PowerPoint templates. These templates can save the time and effort spent in creating impactful presentations from scratch, thereby increasing workplace productivity.

Sort your Tasks of the Day in Priority Order

One of the most important things that you need to know if you want to show your 100% productivity at work is to know your important work. It means that you have to make sure what task is important, and you must do it before anything else so that you can give your undivided attention to it and achieve your targeted goals.

Figure Out the Most Difficult Part of Your Job 

More often than not, we are unable to understand what is affecting our productivity at work. If that’s the case with you, then you need to figure out the most difficult part of your job and then work on it. You need to find solutions that’ll make your most difficult tasks at work easy, and you’ll be able to figure them out just like a piece of cake.

Take Small Breaks – It’s Important 

Constantly working can make you exhausted, and it can affect your performance at work. Ultimately, your productivity is also affected. Therefore, if you need to perform better at work and enhance your productivity, then you must make sure that you take small breaks during your workday as it’ll help you in starting every task with a fresh mind and you’ll be able to perform better.

Don’t Put in Extra Hours 

Many people believe that putting extra hours at work improves their productivity. However, it is not true. If anything, it can make you exhausted, and you won’t be able to show your productivity and creativity at all. Therefore, you always need to complete your work in a given time period if you want to increase your productivity at work.

Nokia launches blockchain-powered Data Marketplace for secure data trading and AI models

Nokia today announced the launch of Nokia Data Marketplace as-a-service to facilitate secure sharing of data and AI models, enabling digital transformation and data monetization for enterprises.

As data volumes continue to surge, AI and machine learning are increasingly crucial in business decision making. Nokia Data Marketplace is designed to help enterprises and communications service providers (CSPs) use data in strategic decision making, by providing real-time access to massive trusted datasets.

 

The new service also enables enterprises and CSPs to become data marketplace providers themselves, by monetizing data exchanges between customers or business ecosystem participants.

Nokia Data Marketplace ensures trusted data exchange and authorization mechanisms. This enables a wide range of vertical use cases, including electric vehicle charging, environmental data monetization, supply-chain automation and preventative maintenance powering numerous vertical segments, including transportation, ports, energy, smart cities and healthcare.

Friedrich Trawoeger, Vice President, Cloud and Cognitive Services at Nokia, said: “Our customers need secure and trusted access to data for effective business decision making. With Nokia Data Marketplace, enterprises and CSPs can now benefit from richer insights and predictive models to drive digital ways of working and tap into new revenue streams.”

Nokia Data Marketplace accelerates AI initiatives through federated learning. This approach, combined with orchestration capabilities, facilitates collaborative development of highly accurate machine learning models for analytics use cases. It also meets growing demand for a platform that can efficiently apply AI and machine learning algorithms to in situ data.

Nokia Data Marketplace complements Nokia Worldwide IoT Network Grid (WING), which offers global IoT connectivity and vertical applications. For example, Nokia WING’s asset tracking solution is enriched by Nokia Data Marketplace’s blockchain to provide secure and automated data exchange and transactions between logistics’ ecosystem partners for faster turnaround.

Kaladhar Voruganti, Senior Fellow, Office of the CTO at Equinix, said: “Nokia Data Marketplace combined with Equinix data centers allows organisations to share data and algorithms globally at more than 240 metro edge locations. Our Metal platform augments this to provide secure, proximate, on-demand infrastructure to enterprises and government agencies. Sharing and processing of data close to its point of creation mitigates issues related to latency, compliance, and network backhaul cost. These neutral and secure edge locations are connected via high-speed and secure networks to data sources spanning across public clouds, private enterprise data centers and data brokers.”

Wouter van Neerbos, Chief Executive Officer at Marlin, said: “Through automated data exchange among shipping participants, Nokia brings us the transparency and operational efficiency required in our global marine supply chain. This reduces waiting time for shipping participants in the marine ecosystem, enables faster turnaround for ships, and reduces our costs.”

Justin van der Lande, Principal Analyst at Analysys Mason, said: “Data is the energy needed to run all future business; critical to their success in creating the best AI based insights and needs access to the largest data sets. Data sharing between enterprise partners is vital in building complete data sets. Facilitating data sharing using a secure platform, such as Nokia’s blockchain-based Data Marketplace, accelerates enterprises’ building of new data sets and creates richer business partnerships for them.”

Urbanista launch the Miami Crystal Edition Headphones Embellished with Crystals from Swarovski #Urbanista

Urbanista, the Swedish lifestyle audio brand, launches exclusive limited edition Urbanista Miami Crystal Edition wireless headphones, embellished with crystals from Swarovski®. The stylish crystal encrusted version of the popular Miami headphones combines the brand’s trademark Scandinavian design aesthetic with showstopping sparkle and come as a limited edition, available to consumers only via the brand’s website and from exclusive retailers worldwide.

Priced at £ 300 / SEK 3000 / EUR 300 / USD 300 / NOK 3000 / DKK 3000 MSRP, Urbanista Miami Crystal Edition boasts full compatibility with iOS, Android and Windows devices.

Urbanista, who name their products after the world’s greatest cities and are heavily influenced by music, arts, fashion and urban culture, recently launched Urbanista Miami, an addition to their wireless headphone range. Following a successful launch, Urbanista brings to market this exclusive limited edition, Urbanista Miami Crystal Edition, which takes inspiration from the city’s nightlife scene and glamour.

Tuomas Lonka, Brand and Marketing Director, comments: “We wanted to create an exclusive limited edition that really elevates the Miami headphones bold design aesthetic. The Miami Crystal Edition, which is embellished with crystals from Swarovski®, is unapologetically flashy, extravagant and designed to stand out. We are proud to bring this exclusive limited edition to our customers and hope it allows them to express their personal style, loud and proud.”

The Urbanista Miami Crystal Edition is designed to fit comfortably over the ears and boasts up to 50 hours playtime so you will never be far away from sparkling sound to light up any moment. Miami Crystal Edition’s Active Noise Cancelling eliminates unwanted background noise so you can enjoy your audio without interruptions, or stay in tune with your surroundings with Ambient Sound Mode that enforces and defines outside voices without the need to lower the volume or hit pause. The Miami Crystal Edition will be available in two stylish colourways: Crystal Black and Crystal White.

To be the first to know when the product will be available for pre-order, sign up at www.urbanista.com/miami-crystal-edition

Urbanista Miami Crystal Edition key features

·       Embellished with crystals from Swarovski®

·       Active Noise Cancelling

·       Ambient Sound Mode

·       50hrs+ of non-stop total playtime

·       Operating time with ANC on: 40hrs

·       On-ear detection

·       USB type-C charging

·       Bluetooth 5.0

·       Compatible with iOS and Android

·       Google Assistant

·       Colours available: Crystal Black and Crystal White