Month: August 2022

Revolut launches Revolut <18 - a rebrand of its service for 6-17 year olds

Revolut, the global financial super app with more than 20 million customers worldwide, has rebranded its service for 6 – 17 year olds. ‘Revolut <18’ is an account for young people which is connected to their parent/guardian’s Revolut account, helping young people feel positive and empowered about money, giving them a financial head-start in life.

Previously named ‘Revolut Junior’, Revolut <18 will now offer its young customers the chance to unleash their creativity by personalising their own spending card by adding a drawing, text and even emojis, making it as unique as they are.

Using end-to-end security and in-app card controls, young Revolut customers can safely track their activity in-app and get instant spending alerts to stick to budget and build healthy money habits, as well as setting savings goals. Additionally, an instant notification is sent to the parent or guardian’s phone when the <18 card is used.

Parents and guardians can set a regular ‘pay day’ for pocket money, but can also set challenges for their young person to complete in order to receive their earnings. For those Friday evenings at the youth club, a brand new feature will let young customers tell their friends to “Revolut me!” to send and receive money for free to other users on Revolut <18.

Tara Massoudi, Revolut General Manager of Premium Products, said, “We’re delighted to introduce Revolut <18 to new and existing customers. The new Revolut <18 yellow design is energised, positive and fresh, appealing to a variety of under 18s. 

“We listened to feedback from our customers who said they wanted our under 18s product to be customisable and to look and feel more personal to them. Therefore we wanted to create a more grown up feel to the card and app as Revolut <18 is an account that can grow with you.”

With over 1.6 million customers globally, Revolut Junior had over 400,000 customers in Ireland alone, all of whom are now Revolut <18 customers.

The Revolut <18 card is free, and a parent or guardian who is a Revolut personal account holder can create a <18 account for their child in their Revolut app. If the young person has a mobile device, they can download the Revolut <18 app by scanning a QR code displayed on the parent or guardian’s phone. However, the card will still work even if they don’t have a mobile. Parents/Guardians can create a maximum of five <18 accounts, depending on their Revolut plan.

Additionally, teens can sign up for themselves to create a parent account, with parent approval. If the teen is under the age of data consent (below 16 in IE) then a parent will need to create an account for them from their own Revolut app

Is Blockchain Going To Change The iGaming Industry?

When most people hear about blockchain, they think of virtual currencies. After all, most people have only interacted with this technology regarding financial transactions. That’s because most online gaming sites have introduced digital currencies to ease withdrawals and deposits in response to players’ concerns over wire transfers and card payments. Say, for example, that you want to play online bingo and don’t want to have your bank snooping on your transactions. In that case, you would actively seek the most trusted bingo sites that allowed you to use digital currencies. And you would still get your loan processed in time because your gambling would not create bias – as the bank would not know about it!

And while many people think that blockchain technology starts and stops at digital currencies, it can do much more. Let’s have a look at its capabilities and why it could be the answer to the future of the iGaming industry:

  • Why Blockchain?

Does this technology have what it takes to fix the gaping holes in the iGaming industry? And if so, what unique features does it hold?

  • Security

The beauty of the decentralized system is that hackers cannot tweak existing transaction histories. And that means that once something takes place, changing it is quite the hassle as it would require authentication from various sources. Why does this matter?

  • Online game developers can enjoy a secure environment to create and deploy their games,
  • Online players can trust that the online gaming providers are not tweaking the randomness of the games. And they can follow the transactions online to be sure of their accuracy, thus creating transparency, 
  • Hackers cannot destroy the whole network because it does not rely on a central point, and
  • Licensors can follow up on games and gauge which operators have toed the line and which ones have operated outside the bounds. And this helps them crack down on wayward gaming operators, which protects the players in the long run. 

So, it serves players, online sites, and gaming providers who can have more faith in the deployed games. It also helps players trust RTPs more and know how much the house takes home, aiding them in developing better gambling strategies.

  • Cost- Effectiveness

Cryptocurrencies do not depend on banks as intermediaries. As such, withdrawals and deposits are much faster for people with such currencies. Besides, it is cheaper as you do not need to incur any fees to pay an intermediary. So, players get their winnings faster and at fewer costs than when they use wire transfers, card payments, and e-wallets.

  • Anonymity

It’s no secret that financial institutions look unfavorably upon people who gamble. Even if you’re only wagering a small proportion of your income, you may still suffer higher loan interest rates because the bank may look at you as a high-risk client. So, many people choose to use cryptocurrencies as they do not require them to link their banks to their gambling activities. Blockchain transactions are private as your identity will only be depicted using numbers and characters. 

  • Smart Contracts

Wagers between players are pretty common as gamers sometimes want to transact without a go-between. Thanks to blockchain technology, this is now possible using smart contracts. These dictate the conditions which the players must meet before a transaction takes place. Plus, they are not mutable, so the players cannot change the contract terms without both agreeing to do so. Thus, if two players wager against each other on a game and one wins, the money in escrow immediately becomes available to the winner. And because there is no intermediary, the winner gets the total amount.

Blockchain has also led to the growth of NFTs (non-fungible tokens), play and earn games, virtual tournaments, and many other features which have made this technology beneficial to the iGaming industry.

JBL quantum stream mic with RGB – First Look

The latest USB mic from JBL has landed which is its first USB microphone aimed specifically towards gamers, podcasters and streamers – the JBL Quantum Stream. As its name suggests, the dual-condenser microphone is perfect for coordinating with teammates and bringing crystal-clear communication to the centre of the action as a standalone solution.

Plus, the reversible stand provides 360-degree movement, with additional options included for a variety of other mounting options. Be heard loud and clear with the JBL Quantum Stream, thanks to the 2x 14mm dual-capsule Electret condenser with 24 bit and 96kHz sampling rate. Two selectable voice pickup patterns allow users to focus the microphone’s capture on just the speaker’s voice or capture everyone’s voice in the room if recording a podcast or on a group call. Opting for a covert mission? Tap the top button to mute, which will activate an RGB indicator light for ease of use when in the middle of a battle or conference call.

The setup couldn’t be easier, with the JBL Quantum Stream’s universal mounting solution and seamless voice monitoring control. Users can simply mount the stand to fit their gaming and office setup and control their voice volume directly on the microphone. Full review soon and if you have any questions feel free to ask on our social media and of course YouTube.

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Dell Technologies Unveils New Alienware Gaming Monitors with High-Speed Performance & Premium Visuals

Dell Technologies has today released details of two additions to the Alienware line –the 25 Gaming Monitor and the Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor. These gaming monitors are among the fastest on the market and are equipped with high-quality visuals, exceptionally smooth gameplay, and optimized industrial design combining beauty with practicality. Both are the first in the line to feature a retractable headset hanger, helping to create a clutter-free gaming setup.

Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor (AW2523HF)

Designed with feedback from pro gamers, this monitor is eSports-optimized for competitive gaming. With its revamped Legend 2.0 design featuring a hexagonal base for a smaller desktop footprint, competitive gamers have ultimate flexibility in terms of keyboard placement and maximum room for mouse movement for the ideal esports setup. Gamers can also place their headset on the new integrated retractable headset hanger for a clutter-free desk.

A 360Hz variable refresh rate and 0.5ms* GtG response time means incredibly smooth motion on a Fast IPS FHD panel. Experience stutter- and tear-free gaming and crystal-clear graphics, even during action-packed sequences with the support of AMD FreeSync™ Premium Technology and VESA® AdaptiveSync certification.

Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor (AW2723DF)( header image)

 The Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor combines premium performance with functional design. With its 280Hz overclocked / 240Hz native variable refresh rate and 1ms GtG response time, gamers are guaranteed lag-free gaming. This Fast IPS 27” QHD display supports AMD FreeSyncTM Premium Pro Technology and is also NVIDIA® G-Sync® and VESA® AdaptiveSync certified to enable tear-free, crystal-clear graphics.

Dive into vibrant colours across a wide viewing angle on an InfinityEdge screen with IPS Nano Colour technology that lets you experience dynamic, vivid colours with 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage and VESA DisplayHDR™ 600 certification for a truly immersive gaming experience. For gamers who also content create, the Creator Mode pre-set allows you to choose between DCI-P3 (native) and sRGB colour spaces or adjusts gamma levels.

This monitor features the iconic Legend 2.0 design in Lunar Light with AlienFX lighting, 360-degree ventilation, improved cable management and fully adjustable stand. The integrated headset hanger is also available on this monitor.

Pricing and Availability

  • The Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor (AW2523HF) will be available in Ireland on September 7th with pricing to be announced upon release.
  • The Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor (AW2723DF) will be available in Ireland on September 6th with pricing to be announced upon release.

Jabra and Lenovo Expand Collaboration to Deliver First Full Microsoft Teams Rooms System

Jabra and Lenovo are expanding their collaboration to offer a seamless, easy to use meeting room system optimised for use with Microsoft Teams Rooms – the Jabra PanaCast 50 Room System. The purpose-built, modular room kit provides companies looking to upgrade their meeting room technology for the hybrid working world with enhanced business productivity and collaboration capabilities. The plug-and-play full room system is a first from Jabra and is certified for and preloaded with Teams Rooms software. 

The system features the Jabra PanaCast 50 and Lenovo ThinkSmart Core Kit. The PanaCast 50 offers innovative 180-degree Panoramic-4K video and works seamlessly with Microsoft Teams Rooms’ front row layout to make hybrid meetings more inclusive and engaging. Lenovo’s ThinkSmart Core Kit includes the ThinkSmart Core and the ThinkSmart Controller, a 10.1inch, 10-point touch HD display that allows users to initiate and control meetings, as well as share content and work with colleagues working remotely. 

 “The typical meeting is not what it used to be, and it’s time for meeting room technology to catch up,” said Aurangzeb Khan, SVP of Intelligent Vision Systems at Jabra. “We’re delighted to unite the PanaCast 50’s unique capabilities with Lenovo’s innovative solutions to equip offices with solutions to foster inclusive and interactive meetings for everyone, regardless of where they are. The system works at the touch of a button and can connect employees seamlessly whether they’re in-person or connecting from home.”  

 “The shift to hybrid work has undoubtedly led to more demand for video enabled conference rooms, which is why we’re working with companies like Jabra and Lenovo to develop purpose-built Microsoft Teams Rooms,” said Albert Kooiman, Senior Director of Microsoft Teams Devices Partner Engineering and Certification. “Bringing together Jabra and Lenovo’s hardware with Microsoft Teams software allows users to experience key Teams features such as front row and Intelligent Camera, both for those in the meeting room and remote.” 

The new product bundle provides everything needed to set up a Teams Room. The Jabra PanaCast 50’s 180-degree view allows for every attendee to be seen, no matter where they’re sitting. This is further amplified by Dynamic Composition, an intelligent camera technology Jabra co-developed with Microsoft and released earlier this year. It helps to bridge the gap between in-person and remote meeting participants by providing a close-up view of in-room participants when they speak.  

 

 

Lenovo’s ThinkSmart Core is powered by an 11th Gen Intel® Core™ vPro® processor and delivers connectivity to support any meeting room configuration. Its understated yet stylish design means it can be placed discreetly, and it has ports to support multiple audio and visual accessories, along with integrated cable management. The ThinkSmart Controller’s easy-to-use Teams Rooms interface makes it ideal for meetings and collaboration.  It has Integrated Infrared sensors that detect when participants enter the room and automatically turns the system on and off. 

 “We’re excited to collaborate with Jabra to provide businesses with a way to bring their conference rooms into the hybrid work era,” said Shannon MacKay, General Manager of Worldwide Smart Collaboration Business, Lenovo. “Combining the power of our ThinkSmart Core solution with the Jabra PanaCast 50’s intelligent video system and Microsoft Teams Rooms technology will allow us to empower users to have more productive and inclusive meetings no matter where attendees are located.” 

Building on the initial offering made available in EMEA last year, this joint-offering will be the latest full Teams Rooms system from Jabra. It will be available to order from September 15th 2022.  

More information on the JabraPanacast 50

PSB Speakers Flagship Synchrony Series Now Available Worldwide

PSB Speakers, reaching a 50-year milestone this year for excellence in hi-fidelity loudspeaker design, is pleased to launch a new generation of the acclaimed flagship series, Synchrony, to global markets. The latest edition of PSB’s flagship series consists of the B600 bookshelf speakers, as well as the T600 and T800 towers. Regarded as PSB’s most advanced speaker line to date, the Synchrony Series delivers outstanding performance, excellent value and carries the finest application of the brand’s acclaimed ‘True to Nature’ acoustics. The T800 Premium Towers (US$11,999 / €12,999 / £9,999 a pair MSRP), T600 Towers (US$8,999/ €9,999 / £7,999 a pair MSRP pair MSRP) and B600 Bookshelf Speakers (US$2,799 / €2,999 / £2,499 a pair MSRP pair MSRP), is available for purchase worldwide and come in Satin Walnut Veneer and High Gloss Black finishes.

Synchrony T800 

The Synchrony T800 Towers are the largest speakers of the series with a wider frequency bandwidth and the largest power handling capacity amongst Synchrony speakers. Equipped with an all-new 5-way transitional array employing three 8″ woofers, a 5.25″ midrange driver, all featuring cast baskets and woven carbon-fibre cones, and a 1″ titanium dome tweeter in a heavily braced MDF cabinet, the T800s are capable of filling large rooms with detailed bass right down to the lowest register.

The driver platform results in a dramatic reduction of non-linear distortion, allowing for higher sound pressure levels without compression or increased THD and IM distortion. This can be immediately recognized by a more open midrange and deep bass impact. Small gradations in sound, or micro-dynamics, are vastly improved over previous driver platforms. The crossover in the T800 Premium Tower is this is the most advanced amplitude-perfect Linkwitz-Riley 4th order crossover that PSB Speakers has ever utilized, featuring high-voltage poly film capacitors and oxygen-free interconnect wire for complete driver control.

Synchrony T600 

The driver platform of the T600 consists of three 6.5″ woofers and a 5.25″ midrange driver, all with cast aluminium baskets, woven carbon fibre cones and rubber surrounds, and a 1″ titanium dome tweeter with Ferrofluid and Neodymium magnet. As a result, a dramatic reduction of non-linear distortion allows for higher sound pressure levels without compression or increased THD and IM distortion. The advanced driver assembly features four elements (Faraday ring, shorted turn, longer voice coil, symmetrical magnetic drive) that all work in harmony to reduce driver distortion.

Synchrony B600

Using the same driver platform as the Synchrony towers, the B600 Bookshelf Speakers can be an easy complement to the towers or a standalone stand-out compact listening option. The 2-way bass reflex design features a 6.5″ woofer with cast aluminum basket and woven carbon fibre cone, and a 1″ titanium dome tweeter with Ferrofluid and Neodymium magnet. The light and rigid nature of woven carbon fibre cone delivers wider bandwidth — about half an octave deeper bass response over other PSB driver designs — with greater efficiency (88dB at 1m), higher power handling, and lower distortion.

Centre Channels – PWM Series

The PWM is designed to support the Synchrony Series as centre channels and effect channels in multi-channel applications. Incorporating advanced driver and cabinet design, the PWM series offer open and constant dispersion, tonal balance and bass extension of a truly refined loudspeaker many times their size. The PWM’s can be oriented either vertically or horizontally and be used as a front left, right, centre or surround channel speakers. Whether as part of a complete on wall system, a basic TV application or as an on-wall centre channel solution for floor standing speakers; the PWM Series exceed expectations in every way

Exquisitely True to Nature

Whether used in a multi-channel set-up or in stereo listening applications, the Synchrony series represents PSB’s signature, True to Nature acoustics, marked by superb tonal accuracy, thrilling dynamics, impactful bass, transparent midrange, pinpoint imaging, and exquisite detail. Each speaker is scientifically measured, tested and fine-tuned by a team of highly regarded acoustic specialists under the direction of PSB Founder and Chief Acoustic Designer, Paul Barton. Design and built with 50 years of experience, the Synchrony series is the clearest expression of PSB’s design philosophy to date.

 

Key Features of the Synchrony Series

  • Woven carbon fibre cones (woofers), cast aluminum baskets, mass-loaded rubber surrounds, and advanced motor structures
  • 1 x 1″ (25mm) titanium dome tweeters with Ferrofluid damping and neodymium magnet
  • Amplitude-perfect Linkwitz-Riley 4th-order acoustic crossover with high-voltage poly film capacitors and oxygen-free interconnect wire*
  • Five-way transitional array design*
  • Low-resonance MDF cabinet with extensive bracing and decoupled aluminum-clad front baffle
  • Individually tuned chambers with rear-firing ports for each woofer
  • Outrigger stabilizers with integrated IsoAcoustics GAIA II isolators*
  • Satin Walnut Veneer and High Gloss Piano Black finish options, with acoustically transparent magnetically attached grilles

*T600 & T800 only

Creative launches Sound Blaster X1

Creative Technology today launches Sound Blaster X1, the ultimate USB DAC and headphone amplifier which offers the heralded Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine technology, together with the multiple award-winning Super X-Fi Headphone Holography first seen in the iconic SXFI AMP. As small as a finger, it serves up a huge treat of multi-channel, high-resolution and immersive audio, with authentic reproductions down to the last detail, powered by a high-end 128dB AKM4377 32-bit DAC and Ti/Burr-Brown INA1620 dual audio operational amplifier.

Sound Blaster X1 is best used with PC and Mac, and with the Creative desktop app, users gain access to the Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine, where they can tap on the full suite of sound processing technologies to enhance their experiences for both work and play.

With Sound Blaster Surround Virtualization, users get to enjoy a phenomenal mesh of depth and range in audio immersion across movies, music and games. CrystalVoice technology caters for a host of smart adjustments during conference calls with features like SmartVolume and Acoustic Echo Cancellation; there is also SmartComms Kit which helps to reduce background noise effectively and auto-mute users when they are not speaking. There are professionally-tuned audio and game presets to further please gamers; Scout Mode detects subtle audio cues and makes them obvious to keep gamers one step ahead of their competitors all the time.

Users also get to enjoy Super X-Fi headphone holography, an acknowledged game changer which redefines headphone listening by recreating the soundstage of a premium multi-speaker system for an expansive experience. Furthermore, ear-mapping via the SXFI app tailors to users’ ears and helps them immerse in all their audio, especially movies and games, in the most natural way.

Sound Blaster X1 is quite simply a compelling audio solution that is impossible to ignore for discerning users.

Pricing and Availability

Sound Blaster X1 is priced at £ 64.99 and is available at the Creative online store.

For more information on Sound Blaster X1, visit creative.com/SoundblasterX1.

Sennheiser announces the RS 120-W

Sennheiser’s TV Listening portfolio is being enhanced with a powerful addition. The RS 120-W wireless on-ear headphones offer no less than three different sound modes for a customised listening experience, working with advanced LE audio transmission for crystal-clear and undistorted sound powered by Bluetooth. In combination with the usual long-lasting battery life and an improved design for optimal comfort while wearing, the new Sennheiser headphones serve as the ideal foundation for binge-worthy TV sessions.

​”High-quality sound and an engaging televisual experience are essential for the Sennheiser brand,” said Irene Strüber, Sennheiser Product Manager TV Listening. “The new RS 120-W is designed to make the sound experience even more individual and versatile. Users can tailor their sound settings according to their preferences, whether they like more bass or speech clarity. A pair of headphones should not be limited to one type of entertainment. That’s exactly the philosophy we’re putting into practice with the RS 120-W.”

Designed for high-quality entertainment
​Depending on the preferred type of entertainment, users can choose between ‘Speech’, ‘Music’ and ‘Neutral’ sound modes to adjust the soundscape to their respective requirements. To ensure a detailed, balanced, and undistorted sound, the RS 120-W uses advanced LE audio, which enables audio streaming via Bluetooth® Low Energy transmission technology. LE audio includes a new high-quality LC3 audio codec. This technology not only convinces listeners through its delivery of crystal-clear audio, but also offers a very low latency, which guarantees immersive entertainment sessions.
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​Meanwhile, the enhanced design of the RS 120-W makes controls even more intuitive. For example, users can now adjust the volume independently of the TV by using the control on the headphones’ ear cup. The comfortable on-ear design with light ear pads and a soft headband pressure contributes to the RS 120-W’s all-day wearing comfort, making it ideal for extended periods of TV viewing.
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​Enjoying the sound of Sennheiser together
​With a battery life up to 20 hours and wireless transmission in a range of 60 meters, the RS 120-W also provides the technical foundation for unlimited entertainment sessions. As usual, the transmitter included in the scope of delivery serves as a charging station and transmission centre in one. Meanwhile, the new ‘Broadcast Mode’ feature can pair the transmitter with multiple sets of headphones, so that the breath taking sound can be enjoyed by several people at the same time. Those who like it loud can increase the volume up to 100 dB, without having a negative impact on their surroundings.
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​Pricing and availability
​The Sennheiser RS 120-W will be available for pre order on 16th August and will go on sale on 30th August with an RRP of £119.99 / €129.90.

JBL Reflect Aero earbuds – First Look

Next in from JBL is their latest earbuds but stay tuned for more from JBL and if you are a JBL fan check out our last review which for me is in my top 5 earbuds of the year so far which is the JBL Live Pro Plus so it will be interesting to see how these sound and I look forward to testing these on my holidays. A full review of course hands on and a look at the app to come.

The JBL Reflect Aero earbuds deliver sound that fits you with the perfect fit for every lifestyle – whether you’re out and about or hitting the gym. JBL Reflect Aero earbuds are engineered to keep listeners motivated with 6.8mm dynamic drivers delivering the perfect playlist. Featuring an adjustable POWERFIN ear tip design, a secure fit and comfort is guaranteed – even in the most intense workouts. A partner you can rely on, with IP68 dustproof and extreme waterproof rating, your performance is never compromised, even in salt water.

For sound without bounds, True Adaptive Noise Cancelling blocks out background noise for zero distractions, while Smart Ambient technology keeps you aware of surroundings. Pop them open and pair – you’re instantly connected for calls, music and more. With Dual Connect, you’re good with one earbud or both, plus 24 hours of playback so you can get more out of your day. Listen your way with the JBL Headphones App and customise the ANC and earbuds to suit your needs and personalise your workout with ‘Check my Fit’.

Connect with your surroundings using the hands free voice control with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant or pick up from where you left off with ‘Find my Buds’. Built to last but with little impact on the planet, the JBL Reflect Aero features a much smaller charging case and uses 54% less plastic compared to its sports TWS predecessor. The JBL Reflect Aero also come in JBL’s latest eco-friendly packaging and are available in blue, black, mint and white.

Any questions you know the drill. We answer them all. Stay tuned for the full review soon.

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