Month: September 2022

5 of the Best Medieval Games

The Medieval period in Europe, sometimes referred to as the Middle Ages, describes a period in history where nothing much happened in terms of real art, or technological advances – in fact, after the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th Century, culture and innovation started going backwards as the roads, sanitation, and society that the Romans brought with them as they conquered fell to rack and ruin. 

What emerged in this period was a world of Crusades, plagues, and fiefdoms, where the king and the church ruled the lands and peasants had to work for local lords – or face eviction and starvation.

The medieval period has long been a source of material for pop culture references, whether that be in books, film, or TV series – and whether rooted in historical accuracy or taking a flight of fantasy (with added dragons), it is definitely a period that has inspired us. 

When it comes to games, you really are spoiled for choice if you want to experience a medieval world while you play. Thousands of titles spanning many different genres have been released based on this dark and savage period, where knights fought battles with heavy swords, war was a recurring theme, and more than 30% of the European population died from the Black Death.

So, whether you are looking for a super casual themed game like slots with no download, or you prefer a fully immersive RPG, below are some suggestions that you might be interested in playing. 

1. Black Knight at Jackpot Party

Sometimes you want to get involved in a game that is more about random chance than it is about deep storylines – and the Black Knight slots game is the answer. 

Black Knight is part of a collection of no download slots with five reels and up to 30 paylines, making it incredibly satisfying to play. The icons all fit the theme, including crowns and sceptres as well as a king and queen, but it is the Black Knight himself that you want to look out for – he is the wild symbol that can replace other icons to give you a surprising win. 

With the rest of the slots games available at Jackpot Party, this is a fun way to spend some time, and you’ll love the simple gameplay and progressive jackpots – all completely free. You might not win real cash, but you’ll still get all the rush of the game when you play. 

2. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Role Playing Games (RPGs) feature heavily in any list about historically accurate games, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance claims to be an authentic story-based game. You play as the son of a blacksmith, and instead of following the usual ‘hero’ storyline, you are tasked with doing some ‘normal’ things like buying charcoal or finding food. 

The non-playable characters often add extra dimension to your tasks, and you’ll hear a lot about the ongoing civil war that is ravaging Bohemia, the land that you live in – but you don’t have to get involved. Like the other great RPGs, this is an open-world game that you can really explore.

3. Age of Empires 4

Although not strictly all about medieval times, this real time strategy (RTS) game is the latest in a seriously successful franchise that has seen a boost thanks to the rise of eSports. 

The premise is simple – build a civilisation from the ground up, develop an economy and trade with other players, and eventually send your armies to war to destroy other civilisations. The gameplay is simple enough to learn, and the campaigns in Age of Empires 4 are based on real historical skirmishes and figures, which makes it a bit of a learning experience too. 

4. A Plague Tale: Innocence

Another RPG, this one based in plague-ravaged France. You need to focus on stealth tactics to avoid both the Inquisition and the plague carrying rats rather than combat as you navigate the world. Your characters, Amicio and Hugo, are siblings trying to survive in a world that is diseased and dangerous. 

This is a beautifully detailed game with an intense and heart-breaking storyline, set against a backdrop that is both dark and atmospheric. 

5. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

This is probably the most cinematic and beautiful of all the games mentioned, and while it might not be the most authentic or historically accurate  – there probably weren’t any dragons or magick in the medieval times – it is hugely immersive. 

There is an in-depth story mode in this open-world game, but most players love it for the immersive escape from the real world that the details offer. Every part of the world can change your tasks for the game, and you can interact in so many ways completely outside the quests that every player will have a different game experience. 

You can get on board with the stunning and often bleak world of medieval Europe in so many ways – this list is just the start. 

Sony Expands Cinema Line with New 4K Super 35 Camera, the FX30 for Future Filmmakers

Sony has just announced the newest addition to the brand’s prestigious Cinema Line – the FX30 (model ILME-FX30). The new FX30 is a 4K Super 35 compact cinema camera that offers many professional features of the Cinema Line, such as Dual Base ISO, Log shooting modes, and user-imported LUTs (Look Up Tables) at a price point that appeals to many aspiring filmmakers.

In addition to introducing the new FX30, Sony announced two new CFexpress Type A Memory Cards – CEA-G320T and CEA-G640T. Both are large capacity cards that support high-speed performance with high-speed performance in both reading and writing.

“The new FX30 is a great fit for anyone looking to get started in filmmaking,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Head of IP&S Marketing at Sony Europe. “It features many of the professional features of our high-end cameras at a price point that makes it easily accessible for filmmakers at any level. This camera is an excellent starting point to our full line-up of Cinema Line Cameras.”

Creating a Cinematic Look

The FX30 offers up-and-coming filmmakers’ cinematic expression with the latest imaging systems. It features a new back-illuminated 20.1 megapixels APS-C Exmor R™ CMOS sensor (Super 35 format) with a dual base ISO (800/2500) to deliver high sensitivity, low noise, and 14+ stops of latitude.

The ILME-FX30 supports a variety of video recording codecs. It can shoot 4K Super 35 (16:9) by oversampling from 6K at up to 60fps. The ILME-FX30B also features the ability to shoot in high frame rates, including 4K at 120fps and full HD at 240fps. Both16:9 recording modes can shoot at 10-bit 4:2:2 while an HDMI Type-A connector can be used to output 4K, 16-bit RAW to an external recorder.

Like the rest of the Cinema Line, the FX30 features Log shooting modes by enabling Cine El, Cine El Quick, and Flexible ISO modes for recording with the S-Log3 gamma curve, which allows more flexibility when colour grading. All three modes allow video shooting while monitoring with an appropriate LUT to preview the final image. In addition, the FX30 includes a selection of built-in cinematic looks, such as Sony’s S-Cinetone™, and can shoot single stills. The camera offers advanced image processing capabilities with the BIONZ XR processing engine for natural gradations and realistic colour reproduction.

Designed to Support the Creators’ Needs

The FX30 features Sony’s fast and reliable autofocus, with settings including:

  • Real-time Eye AF (human, animal, or bird
  • Real-time Tracking
  • Detailed AF settings
  • AF Assist

Creatives also have more control when using the Focus Map, which makes it easy to visualise depth of field, and Breathing Compensation offers a stable angle of view when focusing. The camera also includes effective stabilisation for run and gun shoots using Active Mode thanks to the optical in-body 5-axis image stabilisation and time code sync.

The FX30 incorporates other features that retain the spirit of the Cinema Line, including:

  • New customisable list-style main menu screen which provides quick access to frequently used items
  • New standby movie screen that provides an unobstructed view of the subject
  • Buttons and dials dedicated to movie shooting

The FX30 also includes added functionality to assist with the creative workflow, such as post-production editing using embedded LUT, and EI metadata. This metadata is available using the latest version of Sony’s Catalyst Prepare or Catalyst Browse applications. A new “Catalyst Prepare Plugin” for Adobe Premiere Pro was released in August.

Easy Operation and a Compact Form Factor

Compact and lightweight, the FX30 has a flat-top design with threaded accessory attachment points, making it easy to use for shooting handheld, capturing low-angle shots, mounting on a gimbal, or adding accessories. The FX30 also features an XLR handle unit which can be used to capture low-angle shots and also allows filmmakers to capture crystal clear audio through various audio inputs, including two XLR audio inputs and a 3.5 mm stereo mini jack for 4-channel recording. External microphones can be connected directly to the camera via the Multi Interface Shoe or microphone jack. The FX30 also features an internal stereo microphone for audio recording.

The FX30 and FX30B are equipped with two memory card slots that are compatible with both CFexpress Type A cards and SDXC/SDHC cards, bringing a wide range of shooting experiences to creators. The FX30 is also compatible with the newly announced large capacity CFexpress Type A memory cards.

The FX30 offers not only advanced performance but also outstanding reliability. It features an innovative heat dissipation structure for uninterrupted 4K/60p recording, reliable power for extended recording, and a durable magnesium alloy chassis. A comprehensive selection of E-mount lenses, high-performance microphones, and other essential components gives creators extraordinarily flexible systems for a broad range of creative needs.

Sony Future Filmmaker Awards

 The new FX30 is an ideal choice for filmmakers that are actively working on or considering an entry into the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards, a major new annual awards program for short films.  Sponsored by Sony and free to enter, the Awards set out to elevate original voices from around the globe with a fresh perspective on storytelling.  For more information, please visit: www.sonyfuturefilmmakerawards.com/

Pricing and Availability

The new FX30 will be available in late October for approximately £2,100/€2,300. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers throughout Europe.

The FX30 enables ultimate creative freedom and comes with an option to purchase with or without the XLR handle.

The new FX30B will also be available in late October for approximately £2,500/€2,800. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers throughout Europe.

For detailed product information,  visit: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/professional-video-cameras/ilme-fx30

The FX30 will also be compatible with the new version of Camera Remote SDK (Version 1.06), a development kit for software that enables remote operation and configuration changes.

Irish Fundraising Platform iDonate are ‘Making Giving Easier’ With Newest Offering

Ireland’s leading fundraising platform, iDonate.ie, is making the act of giving easier than ever before with the launch of their newest fundraising offering. The launch comes as the Irish owned, family run business celebrates a remarkable milestone after supporting 4,000 causes with over 1.6 million donors nationwide.

Together the fundraising platform has helped the nation raise a total of over €62 million in charitable causes across the country. During that time, iDonate provided support on a huge number of national fundraisers, including some noteworthy campaigns such as Climb With Charlie and Ray D’Arcy’s Marathon Challenge for LauraLynn.

With more than 10 years’ experience in digital fundraising, the iDonate team have applied their expertise to develop the launch of their latest offering for fundraisers – Crowdfunding Pages.

The iDonate team have brought technological innovation to the fundraising sector, advancing across many areas including contactless donation tools, virtual mapping technology and online raffle creators. Developed in conjunction with UX experts, the latest move will allow fundraisers to easily set up a Crowdfunder page on iDonate.ie in a quick, user-friendly manner.

In contrast to fundraising pages, which a supporter can set up in aid of a registered charity or organisation (e.g. a school or club), a Crowdfunding page can be set up for a more personal cause. The design and language of iDonate’s Crowdfunding pages uniquely reflects this purpose. Donations will be sent directly to the verified Crowdfunder, with quick and safe, contactless payment options available for donors. With 1% lower service fees than the leading Crowdfunding competitor, Crowdfunders can raise more with iDonate and most importantly, users are vetted and verified, so that donors can trust the Crowdfunder they are supporting.

Konftel Helps Fast-Growing Reseller Capture Conferencing Success

Conferencing specialist Konftel is forging a productive partnership with a fast-growing reseller, which has become an official supply partner – to trigger a new wave of sales success.

Exitech Digital is an innovative digital products supply and installation company based in Ballygawley, Northern Ireland, with clients across the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and England.  

General Manager, George Condell, says that after supplying Konftel products for over a year, the company is delighted to become an official partner across its entire collaboration range.

Condell stated that as a digital equipment supply and installation company it is critical to source the best equipment at an affordable price for customers.  

“After testing a range of other manufacturers with limited success and mixed feedback from clients, we were fortunate to come across Konftel and as a result we are now supplying and installing the entire range which has provided a dramatic rise in our sales success as we continue to develop this side of our business.”

He continued: “Client feedback has been very positive as the Konftel product quality is second to none. Following installations by Exitech Digital, clients consistently comment on the fantastic quality of the video and audio pickup compared to their previous solutions.”

Konftel Audio Dynamite

Konftel’s high quality ‘Bring Your Own Meeting’ video solutions where users start remote meetings via their own laptop have earned plenty of plaudits whilst its new Attach video kits for in-room PC-based locations are set to further accelerate growth.

Konftel’s support structure is’ fantastic’ too, according to Condell who concluded: “As Exitech Digital supply, install and setup the equipment while also providing training to our customers it is of utmost importance that we have reliable technical support from the manufacturer.

“In this respect Konftel have always provided a fast and responsive service which is critical when resolving client issues should they arise. Overall, Exitech Digital is delighted to be supplying Konftel products and looking forward to a bright and innovative future with the company.”

His positive comments were echoed by Konftel’s UK Sales Director, Jeff May, who commented: “We are delighted by the positive impact we are making with Exitech Digital as a powerful partnership continues to flourish. Video meetings have become the de facto standard for many organisations and Exitech Digital is forging many new business opportunities, spearheaded by our product range.”

Creative Launches Katana V2X Soundbar

Creative Technology today announced the release of Sound Blaster Katana V2X, its latest gaming soundbar which offers the same all-conquering audio prowess that the Katana series is known for, and has been re-engineered to not just suit users with smaller spaces for their gaming set-ups, but is also easier on the pocket.

It is the slimmed-down alternative to the highly-rated Sound Blaster Katana V2 which has won various plaudits from reviewers as a choice gaming soundbar, including ‘The best soundbar for gaming is now even better’ (Windows Central), ‘The best PC upgrade you can make’ (VentureBeat), ‘An excellent soundbar for PC gaming and all other media’ (GamesRadar+).

 

Sound Blaster Katana V2X features a slimmer subwoofer ideal for tighter spaces.

A cluttered desktop or TV console may not be the fancy of every gamer – Sound Blaster Katana V2X frees up valuable footprint with a subwoofer that is 40% smaller than its predecessor. The peak power output of 180W makes perfect sense for gaming set-ups in smaller rooms.

That said, the audio quality is maintained where it always matters. This soundbar retains the familiar sound signature of a high-end Sound Blaster, delivering hi-fidelity multichannel audio via the acclaimed tri-amplified Xamp technology, where Creative’s proprietary multi-core DSP controller powers the tweeters, mid-range and subwoofer drivers individually. Super X-Fi Headphone Holography, an award-winning technology which recreates the soundstage of a high-end multi-speaker system in headphones, is perfect for late-night game binges without disturbing the neighbors.

Avid FPS gamers gain an edge in enemy-spotting with special gaming audio modes. SXFI BATTLE Mode enhances in-battle audio cues, both for directionality and distance, while Scout Mode focuses on sound detection so that opponents are heard before they are seen moving on screen.

The cinematic experience is not just limited to gaming – with the integrated Dolby Audio decoder, users get to enjoy Sound Blaster Katana V2X while movie-binging on streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime.

Users can make this soundbar their very own when connected to the Creative app, by customizing the audio via the Acoustic Engine suite and choosing their favorite RGB illumination modes. These settings can be saved as customized profiles on either the app or the programmable buttons on the remote control.

There are various connectivity options to choose from, including HDMI ARC and optical ports, wireless Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C port for USB audio support, 3.5mm AUX-in and SXFI-out for certified Super X-Fi products. This versatile soundbar is compatible with desktops and consoles alike, including PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

Pricing and Availability

Sound Blaster Katana V2X is priced at £ 259.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit www.creative.com/KatanaV2X.

FINAL CALL For Small Businesses Across Ireland To Win Money-Can’t-Buy Prize From Google

It’s the final countdown as the closing date for entries to Google’s You’re the Business campaign is fast approaching. Google wants to hear from SMEs across Ireland by 7 October about how using digital skills and tools has helped to enhance or to grow their business with ten of those businesses winning a truly unique, money-can’t-buy prize.

The prize package or Personal Plan includes a customised suite of digital supports from Google, expert sector and industry-specific mentoring across a range of technical areas that will help the ten SMEs – selected by a panel of established judges – to further develop their business. The selected businesses will also receive a €1,000 Google ads package each.

Entry is simple but time is ticking! To be considered one of the ten lucky businesses to receive this one-of-a-kind digital prize package, SMEs can submit a video [via the You’re the Business site] no longer than two minutes in duration detailing what their business means to them, as well as an example of how they have used digital to enhance their business. This can be anything from setting up or optimising a web presence to expanding your operations internationally.

Submissions must be uploaded here by the newly extended deadline of 7 October 2022.

John Gallagher, Head of Accelerated Growth at Google, said:

“Small Businesses are an invaluable part of Ireland’s economy employing over 1 million people across the country. We are privileged to work with many of these businesses every day and continue to be impressed by the passion and drive for growth they demonstrate. At Google we are also fortunate to see the creativity of these SMEs and how they are leveraging digital to enhance their businesses. That’s why, as part of our You’re the Business initiative, we want to help ten SMEs to further enhance these digital skills by offering a unique opportunity to receive tailored mentoring from sector experts within Google. The selected businesses will also receive a customised support package that includes €1,000 worth of Google ad funding. 

“We are hoping that as many SMEs as possible from across Ireland will log on and tell us why they’re the business – we can’t wait to hear from you!”

Launched this year, You’re the Business – a partnership between Google, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices – focuses on supporting Irish SMEs to upskill digitally and enhance their online capabilities.

You’re the Business provides Irish SMEs with access to a series of live and on-demand training sessions, geared towards supporting companies at all stages of their digitalisation journey, including those at early stages right through to those more digitally-sophisticated businesses. The training consists of three modules that will help businesses understand how they can use digital to get online, grow online and expand internationally.

For further information on the various training modules as well as the opportunity to be awarded a customised support package, please visit: g.co/yourethebusiness

Tech Review – Tronsmart Bang Mini portable party speaker

Tronsmart recently announced their latest speaker and it is the Tronsmart Bang Mini Portable Speaker and being called the Mini does it lack in sound? In short no it does not in fact it is quite loud and expected from Tronsmart and from reviewing their products over the years they are solid and even a recent speaker we did review the Tronsmart Groove 2 speaker is small in comparison here and packed a punch.

The design is familiar but robust and will take a beating and with an IPX6 rating you can bring this anywhere which is handy, some might find it cumbersome but for its size you get more sound for it and it is worth it. You have 2 woofers, one each side and 2 mid tweeters and then a light show to entertain your friends to which is cool one is beat driven one circles and one breathes and this can be controlled by the button on top which you will see in the video review below and how it operates with sound samples. You can also charge your phone from the speaker.

Phone charging from tronsmart bang mini

 

On the top is the controls which are simple to use, there is no app access as yet we hope that may change but still fine as is, you have got your power on/off volume up/down skip/reverse tracks a button to change the colour effects and SoundPulse Audio which enhances the audio and for me seems to be giving more bass so for bass fans this is one to look at. Battery life is pretty decent too and you can also use this as a power bank should you run low which is a nice addition.

Tronsmart Bang Mini Control Panel – techbuzzireland

On the rear is the i/o section for your sd card 3.5mm cable and USB port and of course charging all tucked away behind a thick rubber door which will keep it safe from water and dust.

The sound is the important part for most and in short it is excellent, it is loud with plenty of bass and does not muffle on max volume or sound tinny, there is no lag latency either when your device is connected via bluetooth and it easily fills a large room too so overall it is a robust and great sounding speaker that is simple to use with cool lighting effects thrown into the mix and it is also affordable as always with Tronsmart.

See the video review below for the unboxing and audio samples, we won’t leave you with stock image reviews..

Samples of the colour effects

Features

  • Exceptional Stereo Sound.
  • SoundPulse® Audio.
  • Beat-driven Light Show.
  • IPX6 Waterproof.
  • 15 Hours of Playtime.
  • Stereo Pairing.
  • Tronsmart Bang Mini speaker: Buy –  https://bit.ly/3qgoCqZ

Video Review

Tronsmart Launches Bang Mini Portable Party Speaker With Punchy Bass

Tronsmart, an established audio brand specializing in premium Bluetooth headsets and speakers, has expanded its business across over 90 countries. The global expansion is synchronous with the release of its latest portable party speaker with a handle, called ‘Bang Mini’. The speaker is available at  $89.99 on Amazon US, £89.99 on Amazon UK, and €99.99 on Amazon ES. 

Besides, three promotions are available to celebrate the launch from September 28 to October 13. Customers will receive 15% off their entire order when they purchase one Bang Mini speaker. A 20% discount will be applied to orders containing two Bang Mini speakers. Customers who purchase a Bang Mini speaker at its full price, they will receive a red Tronsmart Trip speaker for free. Get details and coupon code on Tronsmart website before purchasing. 

“Following on the heels of our 2021 outdoor party speaker, Bang, we wanted to design a shrunken-down, more portable edition for people on the go,” said Eric Cheng. “We shaved off three inches and more than a pound to make it the perfect companion for parties and picnics. Moreover, with its IPX6 waterproof rating, music lovers can eligibly take it with them to the beach or by the pool without worrying about spills, splashes, or sand.”

Bang Mini offers great specs and exceptional stereo sound, with no bulk. It leverages Tronsmart’s proprietary SoundPulse® Audio, which has three main characteristics. Firstly, it’s designed to counteract harmonic distortion and eliminate noise, making the vocals gentler, the sound richer, and allowing listeners to enjoy their music for a longer period. Secondly, SoundPulse technology changes the sound output position of the chamber to the front of the speaker, broadening the sound range to fill the entire room with quality vocals and strengthening the stereo sound effect. Thirdly, SoundPulse technology offers an enhanced bass effect. A common problem for full-range speakers is the inability to produce high-pitched vocals and deep bass simultaneously. SoundPulse® technology allows differences in sound to be processed separately. This means the bass can be enhanced while managing to produce high-pitched vocals as well.

Perhaps Bang Mini’s most eye-catching feature lies in its beat-driven light show mode. The speaker has seven neon-colored lights that react to the rhythm of the music playing. Users can freely switch among circling, breathing, and beat-driven patterns. Furthermore, NFC seamless pairing quickly connects to your device with one touch. Other features include stereo pairing, a long 49-foot range, up to 15 hours of playtime, Bluetooth 5.3, and a built-in powerbank to give the mobile device a boost. The speaker measures just 11.9” long and weigh 5.22lbs.

“Bang Mini offers 50W of popping sound thanks to two independent speaker cavities,” continued Eric Cheng. “The front cavity houses two mid tweeters and one passive radiator that offer crystal clear treble in superior clarity. The rear cavity presents punchy bass via two woofers. The end result? Listeners can pump out the volume in a party ambiance, without carrying around a bulkier speaker.”

Check out our review here

Irish startup launches development of a propulsion system that can change mankind’s space travel abilities

The Irish space company Aerospace Propulsion Systems has started the R&D stage of the development of the Ultra High-Frequency Drive Propulsion System. It has a unique concept, which doesn’t use either liquid or solid fuel. The UHF Drive Propulsion System is based on the peculiarities of the interaction of ultra-high frequency and ultra-high frequency magnetic fields. 

“Our UHF Drive Propulsion System is a totally unique technology. Nothing like this has been built or tested before. We have searched carefully, and no one has this idea or anything similar. It’s radically and fundamentally different from all currently known propulsion systems. UHF Drive Propulsion System can work in any environment and does not interact with the environment in any negative way: It is capable of working in or out of the atmosphere and even under water,” said Charles Seadon, CEO of Aerospace Propulsion Systems.

The engines of a propulsion system are ultra-high frequency linear drives, which don’t use any form of conventional rocket propulsion solids or fluids. Thus, they produce no sound or exhaust gasses. Also, the concept helps to reduce total weight, as any propellant doesn’t add mass to the construction. Despite the small size and light weight, these motors can develop enormous power. As the research shows, they can reach up to 10 times faster speeds.

It is also possible to cluster a number of engines to create even more power and lift as well as provide redundancy to increase the safety of space flight significantly. UHF Drive Propulsion System engines are fully reusable, making them environmentally safe. These propulsion systems can also replace the jet engines of airplanes that use conventional fuels, highly polluting the atmosphere.

“These units, if successful, will change mankind’s space travel abilities, make space ships able to take off and landon any surface, and also can change aircraft flight. This will mean a new era in revolutionizing travel and enabling speeds never seen before,” Charles Seadon said. 

The company is based in Ireland at The National Space Centre. The development is produced in tight cooperation with Munster Technical University (MTU). MTU will provide engineers, physicists, graduates, and postgraduates to assist in the development and testing of the UHF drive under the supervision of Dr. Niall Smith, head of research at MTU. Dr Smith is a doctor of philosophy, astronomy and astrophysics, and experimental physicist. The lead engineer and inventor of Aerospace Propulsion Systems is Ukrainian.

The system is being developed and tested in a secret location in Ireland, protected by the military. During the first 24 months, the company will perform a test & development program and complete The Proof of Concept in the first 6 months. In total, Aerospace Propulsion Systems estimates 2 – 3 years to release the product.