Month: August 2023

Tech Review – Puro Sound Labs BT2200-Plus Volume Limited Kids Bluetooth Headphones

Kids headphones are a thing you know and we have covered many over the years and in fact Puro has been featured here many times and today we have the latest model which is the BT200 Plus model headphones for kids with volume control, previously review here was the previous model the BT2200 and check out the review here.

OK so these are for kids but that does not stop me trying them out then my daughter tests after me it is how it goes here and how I give my final thoughts and being a kids/teens pair of headphones there is not much technical knowhow on how to use them and use the features, there is no app and all you do is just connect via bluetooth and the job is done it is that simple.

The build quality is excellent the padding is soft and plush with two sets of cups one for over ears and one standard set so you have the option to pick which suits you best or most likely your child in this instance, for me the larger cups obviously done the better job when it comes to noise isolation and the same applied to my daughter with the smaller cups so on that front they do a good job here not having ANC and so on.

The headband is comfortable to and like the cups soft and plush and they are made from vegan protein leather and can be worn for hours on end be it for music or gaming and knowing you are keeping your ears safe from harm, the extension arms are solid and do not move and stay fixed as set when you put them on first.

Puro sound labs BT2200-Plus kids headphones controls – techbuzzireland

The controls are simple to use here and there is limited options here to control things including calls which is done by the bluetooth button, you have a power on/off switch and a volume up and down buttons all which are nicely raised and tactile to use, the is no skip or reverse tracks no voice assistant etc and no app, you can play and pause your music again via the bt button and that is all there is to it nice and simple they are for kids after all.

The sound quality is quite good and better than you would expect from kids headphones even the volume is decent given the target market and keeps things well balanced overall with nice highs lows and mids some bass too and no distortion on top volume either here and overall a pretty clean audio experience and it does not sound cheap either.

 

Features 

  • LIMITS VOLUME TO 85dB: Made to protect young listeners’ eardrums from early hearing damage following the World Health Organization’s recommendation of an 85dB limited volume range.
  • STUDIO-GRADE AUDIO QUALITY: Our patent-pending Puro Balanced Response Curve provides them with the finest genuine studio sound, including clear, crisp vocals and full dynamic bass–all within the safety of 85 dB.
  • BACKGROUND NOISE ISOLATION: Our product features a fully passive design that blocks 83% of the ambient noise @ 1 kHz just by wearing them.
  • INTERCHANGEABLE EAR CUPS: Turn on-ear to over-ear for a better seal and more comfort.
  • HIGH-QUALITY DESIGN: Durable, vegan protein leather ear cushions and headband. Designed for a comfortable listening experience.

Specs

Type of headphone: On-ear headphones & Over-ear
Volume limiting: 85 dBA sound Limit
Ambient noise reduction: 83% of noise
Daisy Chain Cable: For two Puro headphones to share one device
Wireless: Bluetooth® 5.1 wireless capability
Wireless range: Up to 30 feet from Bluetooth® source
Battery life: 20 hours playback; 200 hours standby
Battery type: Lithium ion rechargeable
Charging: USB-C Charging

BUY 

Video Review

First Look – Creative Zen Air DOT

Creative recently announced another super affordable set of earbuds called the Zen Air DOT which come in at 30 quid at the time of publishing,now that is cheap however creative do not do cheap things and you expect cheap result from my testing over the years so it will be interesting to see how these fair out under my strict earbuds test regime.

The Creative Zen Air DOT boasts custom-tuned 13 mm Neodymium drivers that deliver powerful and detailed audio with deep bass, clear mids, and highs, ensuring that users will experience great audio with every beat. Together with Bluetooth® 5.3 technology and a battery life of up to 24 hours (7 hours on a single charge), users can enjoy uninterrupted audio throughout the day, making them the perfect companion for daily commutes, workouts, or travel. Moreover, the IPX4 rating offers water protection, making them suitable for intense workouts and outdoor activities.

We will have our full review soon so if you have any questions feel free to ask and we will gladly answer as always and stay tuned for the real hands on review later on.

BUY 

Unboxing Video

Klarna partners with Life Style Sports

Klarna, the global payments network and shopping destination, today announced its partnership with Life Style Sports to offer flexible payment options to Irish shoppers buying the latest performance and sportswear.

With Klarna’s Pay in 3 service, shoppers can conveniently purchase all their favourite sports brands at lifestylesports.com and pay in three easy, interest free instalments at the checkout. The news comes during a busy summer and upcoming autumn of sports.

Life Style Sports has been a trusted destination for performance and sportswear since its establishment in 1979. Following the launch of the Irish retailer’s new ‘For The Love Of It’ brand position, Life Style Sports recognises how flexible payment options allow consumers to discover and participate in their favourite sports and activities whilst also enabling them to remain in control of their finances.

“This partnership has come at an important time for Life Style Sports during a busy season of sport with the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Rugby World Cup,” says Mark Carter, Group Finance & I.T. Director at Life Style Sports’ parent company Stafford Group. “By making our retail experience more seamless and convenient, our partnership with Klarna will help to remove financial barriers for many fans across Ireland who want to turn to sports and fitness in their own lives.”

“Since launching in Ireland in 2021, we’ve seen how keen shoppers across the country are for more flexibility in how they pay for their purchases and manage their finances,” said Colin Creagh, Head of Klarna, Ireland. “With over half a million customers using Klarna across Ireland, there is a clear appetite for more payment method choices. This partnership with Life Style Sports is an exciting reflection of this, and we look forward to enabling customers to manage the costs of keeping fit and supporting their teams this Summer.”

LAVOIE E-Scooter makes kickstands a thing of the past

LAVOIE, the new micro-mobility brand from McLaren Applied, has revealed further details on the transformative ‘FlowFold’ folding mechanism, the most defining feature of the high-performance, premium Series 1 e-scooter, which is now available for pre-order globally.

The patent pending FlowfoldTM system sets the Series 1 apart from the crowd – a transformative feature that brings with it a world of benefits. FlowfoldTM enables the Series 1 to fold down into one of the most compact e-scooters in its category. A single press of a button is all it takes to collapse the stem and move the front wheel back over the scooter deck – achieving the greatest possible reduction in size.

Taking its inspiration from motorsport automotive suspension systems, FlowfoldTM enables the Series 1 to fold down into an impossibly compact form, enabling it to fit seamlessly into day-to-day life. Delivering the ultimate in portability and convenience, the FlowfoldTM equipped Series 1 unfolds a world of possibilities.

The Series 1 also delivers best in class safety and comfort. FlowfoldTM technology means LAVOIE can use a longer, wider deck than other e-scooter manufacturers – while still folding down to a handily portable size. The wider deck and longer wheelbase ensure the Series 1 delivers a safe, smooth automotive-like ride, with a choice of foot positions and transformed bump and vibration absorption. With FlowfoldTM, comfort and handling are elevated to a whole new level.

Thanks to FlowfoldTM, the Series 1 can also accommodate taller handlebars, with a higher-stem angle – more akin to that of a motorbike. McLaren Applied engineers have leveraged their motorsport and automotive expertise to deliver smooth, predictable, easy to modulate steering, which, teamed with the scooter’s exactingly honed ergonomics, offers unrivalled rider comfort and total control.

FlowfoldTM also enables the Series 1 to drop into the game-changing ‘Park Mode’- further elevating convenience for the user. At the push of a button the Series 1 can drop into its intermediate stance: a perfectly stable, padded resting position, for seamless storage wherever you go. The era of the kickstand is officially over.

LAVOIE CEO, Eliott Wertheimer, said: “As a team, we’re really proud of the FlowfoldTM system – it’s the piece of engineering that sets our Series 1 e-scooter apart from the competition. By approaching the premium e-mobility sector from a new perspective – leveraging our experience in motorsport and automotive – we’ve been able to develop a transformative piece of technology that opens up a world of possibilities.

“FlowfoldTM has given us the freedom to innovate and lead the market, creating a premium e-scooter that sets new standards for the micro-mobility sector. The Series 1 is a user centric product that delivers best in class safety, convenience and performance – one that’s set to change the landscape of urban mobility.”

The Series 1 is available to pre-order now with a fully-refundable deposit of £500 via the LAVOIE website, with confirmed production slots being allocated to customers upon order. The option to pre-order with a full payment deposit and a 5% discount is also available.

Dell Introduces New Touch Monitor – Connectivity, Convenience, and Interactivity at your Fingertips

Dell has announced the introduction of the new Dell 24 Touch USB-C Hub Monitor (P2424HT) the world’s first 23.8-inch touch monitor with ethernet connectivity so that users never have to worry about unstable network connections again.

This new monitor is designed to deliver a clutter-free, interactive experience that doubles as a productivity hub—regardless of whether it is being used in bustling retail environments to efficient warehousing setups, and from the comfort of home or at the heart of the office.

Intuitive Experience

Users will enjoy interactivity with up to 10-point touch, meaning you can easily annotate, zoom, flick, swipe, drag, pinch and tap with up to ten fingers on the screen at the same time.  And do all this while enjoying consistent, vibrant colors with 99% sRGB across a wide viewing angle enabled by IPS technology.

Furthermore, the ComfortView Plus feature helps reduce potentially harmful blue light emissions without compromising true-to-life colors.

Purposeful Design:

The touch screen monitor isn’t much without an ergonomic form.  This new monitor features an articulating stand design that allows users to seamlessly transition it from a standard desktop monitor to a downward 60-degree angle touch orientation for a more comfortable touch position. It also offers height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and slant functionality so users can tailor the position of the screen to their liking for the task at hand, while the protective cushions on the bottom edge protect against bumps when the stand is fully compressed.

Easy & Comprehensive Connectivity:

Single cable USB-C connectivity offers up to 90W power delivery, while RJ45 provides stable wired Ethernet connectivity. Two quick-access USB ports have been moved to the side of the display so users have quick and easy connections to accessories, and this can also be covered to maintain a sleek look when not in use. Rounding out this excellent productivity hub, the display also includes built-in HDMI and DisplayPort.

This monitor is designed with the environment in mind, it comes in 85% PCR (Post consumer Recyclable) plastic and is ENERGY STAR®, TCO Certified Edge and EPEAT® Gold certifie, reinforcing Dell’s commitment to sustainability.

Key Features:

– Up to 10-point touch capability for seamless interaction.

– Vibrant colours with 99% sRGB and IPS technology.

– Comfort View Plus for reduced blue light emissions.

– Articulating stand design for ergonomic comfort.

– Single cable USB-C connectivity with up to 90W power delivery.

– RJ45 for stable wired Ethernet connectivity.

– Quick-access USB ports for easy accessory connections.

– Environmentally conscious design with PCR plastic and certifications.

SHURE introduces the compact MVX2U digital audio interface with powerful onboard DSP

Today, Shure launched the MVX2U Digital Audio Interface, a single-channel, XLR to USB solution designed to eliminate barriers to achieving professional level audio. Compact and discrete, the MVX2U’s integrated software provides access to the ShurePlus MOTIV Desktop app for any XLR microphone with little to no setup and delivers up to +60dB of clean gain, perfect for the Shure SM7B, as well as phantom power for condenser microphones.

Ideal for streamers, podcasters, and content creators, the MVX2U is making extraordinary audio achievable for everyone, with robust Digital Signal Processing (DSP) at one of the most competitive prices on the market.

ShurePlus MOTIV for All

Boasting powerful, onboard DSP, the MVX2U interface delivers the customization and simplicity of the ShurePlus MOTIV Desktop app to all condenser and dynamic XLR microphones, regardless of the manufacturer. With the MVX2U, users can transform their existing XLR mic into a USB powerhouse equipped with the tools required to take the guesswork out of achieving extraordinary audio.

The MVX2U ships in Auto Level Mode, which sets gain perfectly in real time, acting as a virtual audio engineer to adjust levels on the fly and provide audiences with a more consistent listening experience. This means creators can focus fully on their content, and not on their mic technique, resulting in less time editing, and more time creating. Auto Level Mode settings, presets, and additional parameters, including “vocal tone,” can be controlled through the MOTIV Desktop App.

Users seeking a more hands-on approach to their sound can also take advantage of additional features available in Manual Mode of the MOTIV Desktop app, including EQ, limiter, and compressor presets. Recurring firmware updates will also be available for the MVX2U, meaning the interface will continue to adapt to users’ needs.

Designed for Versatility 

The MVX2U has a compact form factor compatible with any XLR microphone and can be plugged directly into the XLR output of the mic or at the end of an XLR cable (in-line), giving users flexibility in how they implement the interface into their setup.

Without enough gain, your microphone cannot perform at its best. For this reason, MVX2U provides +60 dB of clean gain, enough to power gain-hungry microphones, such as the SM7B. The MVX2U also ships with Phantom Power enabled for those using a condenser microphone.

“The MVX2U is the most convenient and powerful solution for users looking to convert their XLR microphones to USB at this price,” shared Sean Sullivan, Associate Director of Global Product Management. “The integrated software is designed to be approachable to anyone – experienced professionals and those just starting their audio journey.”

The MVX2U Digital Audio Interface XLR to USB adapter is perfect for streamers, podcasters, content creators, musicians, and all those looking for a compact option to achieve a simple, professional, and fully customizable audio setup. Whether you are using the iconic SM7B or any other XLR microphone, the MVX2U Digital Audio Interface can provide enough gain, phantom power, and DSP control for your needs.

In the box, users will find the MVX2U Digital Audio Interface, a 1m USB-C to USB-C cable, and a printed quick-start guide to help begin using the MVX2U.

Pricing and Availability 

The new Shure MVX2U is now available on Shure.com and at select retailers for RRP £135.

Failure to facilitate hybrid connections creating needless barrier to renewables in Ireland

Ireland’s failure to implement policies that facilitate so-called hybrid connections places unnecessary costs and delays on renewable providers. This warning comes from the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) who want new policies to be expedited so they are implemented as soon as possible to help achieve the ambitious targets of the latest Climate Action Plan.

A hybrid connection is where more than one source of energy or storage is connected to the national grid on a single site. These are currently not permitted in Ireland, meaning that in sites where solar and storage or solar and wind are present together, there is a need for two separate connections. Each grid connection requires the construction of physical infrastructure with the associated costs, planning requirements and time.

While consultations are taking place in regard to increasing the over install limit of connection capacities and an additional consultation is expected to take place in regards to multiple legal entities behind connection points, there is a third, and more important topic, the dynamic sharing of MECs, that needs to be addressed urgently if we are to capitalise on the benefits of updating these policies for consumers and renewable providers.

Speaking about the need for new policies in this area ISEA CEO Conall Bolger said “We have been talking about hybrid sites for nearly a decade, with no output evident aside from on-going consultation processes. We have examples of locations that have two buildings side by side performing duplicate functions. This is extremely wasteful, increases the cost to energy providers and ultimately to consumers.

“There has been a general recognition amongst policymakers that change is required for several years.” But according to Bolger there has been very little action. “The 2019 Climate Action Plan committed to putting the right policies in place by Q3 2020. The latest iteration of Climate Action Plan now makes that same commitment but for Q4 2023. Despite an unexplained 39-month delay, the industry isn’t overly confident that we will see much movement this year.”

ISEA now want the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to make a decision. “It feels as if the regulator isn’t focused on the big picture in relation to what needs to be done to expedite the updating of these dated policies with their lack of attention on the dynamic sharing of the maximum export capacity (MEC) by technologies behind the same connection an example of this. If adopted, this will allow for greater flexibility and variety in what can be achieved at hybrid connection points. We need to radically accelerate our deployment of renewables and hybrid connections will help keep costs for consumers lower and ensure faster implementation.

“If we were to place a solar farm on every renewable site already connected to the grid, we could ramp up our delivery of green power while minimising the construction of new network. Everyone knows what is required, so let us put that in place now, and not wait until the end of the year.”

Concluding Conall Bolger, CEO of ISEA said “We are in a climate crisis, everyone agrees that renewables are one of the most important solutions. We need the triumvirate of solar, storage and wind working together to combat Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels. Allowing hybrid connections facilitates this in an efficient manner.”

Radio Amateurs Ham It Up At Loop Head Lighthouse

A group of (ham) radio amateurs from across the Mid-West will gather at Loop Head Lighthouse Experience in County Clare this weekend to use Morse Code and SSB (Single Sideband) Radio to contact lighthouses and lightships throughout the world.

The Limerick Clare Radio Amateur Club will broadcast non-stop for 48 hours from the West Clare lighthouse this Saturday and Sunday as part of 26th annual International Lighthouse / Lightship Weekend (ILLW)

In previous years, the Club has successfully contacted other radio amateurs in Brazil, Australia, Tonga, French Guiana, Asiatic Russia, Ecuador, The Azores and The US Virgin Islands. The group has also attempted to communicate with its twin club in South Jersey using Earth-Moon-Earth communication, also known as “moon bounce”. First developed by the US military after World War Two, the radio communications technique involves radio waves travelling from one transmitter to another using the Moon as a reflector.

During this weekend’s broadcast, visitors to the lighthouse will be able to listen into communications with some of the 500 lighthouses and lightships in over 40 countries that will be activated by amateur radio enthusiasts.

Leonard Cleary, Director of Tourism Development and West Clare Municipal District, Clare County Council, said, “We are very much looking forward to hosting the Limerick Clare Amateur Radio Club whose members will wind back the clock at Loop Head Lighthouse Experience when they attempt to communicate via radio with hundreds of other radio clubs across the globe.”

Joe Ryan, Secretary of the Limerick Clare Amateur Radio Club, commented, “Loop Head Lighthouse is particularly suitable for long distance radio communication attempts due to its isolated location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and the lack of radio interference in the general area. A special QSL Card (confirmation of communication) has been designed to mark the event. The club will operate two stations, one of which will be at the entrance to the Lighthouse so members of the public can listen to some of the transmissions.”

He added, “We are very grateful to all of the staff of Clare County Council and the Commissioners of Irish Lights for their help in planning this event and for allowing us to use the grounds as part of the International Lighthouse and Lightships Weekend.”

Loop Head Lighthouse Experience is one of 17 Great Lighthouses of Ireland, an all-island tourism initiative of Irish Lights. Located at the mouth of the Shannon Estuary with its origins dating back to the 1670s, the lighthouse was first opened to visitors in 2011 and has since become one of West Clare’s most popular attractions.  The lighthouse also is one of two Signature Discovery Points in County Clare along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way.

See www.illw.net for more information on the International Lighthouse and Lightships Weekend. For more information about the Limerick Clare Amateur Radio Club visit  www.limerickclareamateurradioclub.ie

Creative Labs Partners With xMEMS to Unlock Full Audio Potential

Creative Technology is excited to announce a strategic partnership with xMEMS Labs, the pioneers in solid-state fidelity, bringing in a new era of audio excellence for users worldwide by incorporating xMEMS’ cutting-edge micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) solid-state speaker technology into Creative’s True Wireless Stereo (TWS) products.

xMEMS technology is a breakthrough in the audio industry, bringing unparalleled sound quality and efficiency to audio devices. Currently, traditional audio devices use conventional drivers to produce sound, which can sometimes result in distortion or loss of audio fidelity. Whereas, with xMEMS’ tiny yet powerful hardware, Creative’s TWS earbuds are set to deliver crystal-clear sound that reproduces every nuance of music and audio content with astounding accuracy. Users will get to enjoy a truly immersive and lifelike audio experience, whether they are listening to their favourite songs, watching movies, or engaging in conference calls.

The solid-state, all-silicon MEMS-based drivers also boast exceptional phase consistency (7x better than conventional drivers), offering superior spatial audio experiences with improved detail and separation. Furthermore, with the integration of xMEMS’s compact hardware, users can expect lighter, sleeker, and more ergonomic Creative TWS earbuds that provide better wearability for users on the move.

“We are excited to partner with Creative to revolutionize the true wireless audio experience,” said Joseph Jiang, CEO and Co-Founder at xMEMS Labs. “By integrating our advanced solid-state MEMS speakers into Creative’s TWS products, we are confident that users will enjoy an unprecedented level of audio quality and efficiency. Together, we aim to redefine the way people listen to music, communicate, and immerse themselves in audio content.”

“As an audio company committed to delivering superior sound experiences, Creative is excited to partner with xMEMS Labs to integrate their innovative MEMS technology into our TWS products,” said Song Siow Hui, CEO of Creative. “By doing so, we are confident that our TWS products will stand out in the market, delivering exceptional sound quality, comfort, and style to our users.”

The partnership between Creative and xMEMS Labs marks a significant milestone in the audio industry, raising the bar for True Wireless Stereo audio devices. The first series of Creative TWS products powered by xMEMS technology are expected to hit the market later this year, promising a game-changing experience for audio enthusiasts and casual users alike.

About xMEMS Labs

Founded in January 2018, xMEMS Labs is reinventing sound with the world’s first solid-state True MEMS speakers for TWS and other personal audio devices. xMEMS has over 100 granted patents worldwide for its technology. The innovative, monolithic transduction architecture implements both actuation and diaphragm in silicon producing the world’s fastest and most precise micro speakers, eliminating spring and suspension recovery of coil speakers. This results in the most accurate time domain music reproduction, unmatched sound clarity, and an elevated sense of space. For more information, visit https://xmems.com.

About Creative

Creative is a worldwide leader in digital entertainment products. Famous for its Sound Blaster® sound cards and for driving the multimedia revolution – which established a user base of 400 million – Creative drives digital entertainment with cutting-edge audio solutions that include premium wireless speakers, wireless headphones, powerful audiophile-grade digital amplifiers and next-generation home-theatre systems. Aiming at the new mobile networked generation by bridging the worlds of the computer, smartphones, and tablets, Creative continues to reinvent the Sound Blaster, with its ground-breaking Sound Blaster Roar series and USB-audio class of products such as the Sound Blaster X7.

In 2016, Creative unveiled the X-Fi Sonic Carrier: a brand-new concept in hi-res audio and video delivery for home entertainment. This technology powerhouse dubbed ‘the soundbar of the gods’ personifies the Audio of Tomorrow.

In 2018, Creative launched an all-new game-changing technology for headphones called Super X-Fi® Headphone Holography. This technology uses computational audio to recreate the listening experience of a high-end multi-speaker system in a professional studio, and delivers the same expansive experience – with the same original depth, detail, realism, and spaciousness – in headphones. Super X-Fi further uses Artificial Intelligence to compute a custom audio profile based on a person’s unique anthropometry. Super X-Fi has won multiple accolades worldwide, including an unprecedented 23 awards at CES 2019-2020.