Month: August 2023

Tech Review – Galaxy Watch One Click Fabric Band

The Galaxy Watch One Click Fabric band is one of many straps available to up the game with your watch, just like phones with cases watches now are an area where manufacturers can cash in with straps and bands to spice up your watch if you wish to do so.

This One Click Fabric Band is a simple installment and takes less than a minute to swap out, the pins however would be a bit of concern for me being so thin but so far so good, the strap is solid on the arm and can be fixed to any tightness you like and looks well, the colour may be a problem being so bright with getting dirty but that is to be expected and for the more demanding of us out there like sports fans. It is comfortable and has some breathability.

Overall it is a nice strap and the hook and loop fastener works well and the watch will remain secure on the wrist by my only worry is the pins holding it on but so far so good. Check the video below for more and stay tuned for more accessories for the Z Flip5 and Watch 6

Video Review

Maynooth University’s Dr Patrick Kavanagh leads data and image processing of latest spectacular image taken by the James Webb Telescope

The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope has released a new image of the well-known Ring Nebula with unprecedented detail. The new images show intricate details of structures and features, allowing scientists to understand both their chemistry and how they formed.

The observations were released today by an international team of scientists that includes Maynooth University’s Experimental Physics Lecturer Dr Patrick Kavanagh. Dr Kavanagh led the data reduction and processing of the image taken by a Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), a camera and a spectrograph that sees light in the mid-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, with wavelengths that are longer than our eyes can see.

Formed by a star throwing off its outer layers as it runs out of fuel, the Ring Nebula is an archetypal planetary nebula, and is relatively close to Earth at roughly 2,500 light-years away, making it an important object for scientists.

Commenting on the images, Dr Patrick Kavanagh, Department of Experimental Physics, said: “There has never been mid-infrared images of the Ring Nebula like this before. The exquisite detail reveals previously unknown features in the molecular halo that tell us this dying star’s nebula was likely shaped by an unseen companion star. There simply has not been a telescope capable of seeing these features until JWST.”

The new images provide unprecedented spatial resolution that show the intricate details of the filament structure of the inner ring (left) taken by NIRCam (Near-InfraRed Camera) and the concentric features of the outer regions of the nebulae’s ring (right) taken by MIRI (Mid-InfraRed Instrument). For context, it is the equivalent of distinguishing the details of a soccer ball at a distance of 550km.

Image credit: ESA/Webb, NASA, CSA, M. Barlow, N. Cox, R. Wesson

 

The images also provide insight on what the structures comprise and how they evolved. The images show some 20,000 dense globules in the nebula, which are rich in molecular hydrogen. In contrast, the inner region shows very hot gas. The main shell contains a thin ring of enhanced emission from carbon-based molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Approximately ten concentric arcs are located just beyond the outer edge of the main ring. The arcs are thought to originate from the interaction of the central star with a low-mass companion orbiting at a distance comparable to that between the Earth and the dwarf planet Pluto. In this way, nebulae like the Ring Nebula reveal a kind of astronomical archaeology, as astronomers study the nebula to learn about the star that created it.Image credit: ESA/Webb, NASA, CSA, M. Barlow, N. Cox, R. Wesson

The colourful main ring is composed of gas thrown off by a dying star at the centre of the nebula. This star is on its way to becoming a white dwarf — a very small, dense, and hot body that is the final evolutionary stage for a star like the Sun.

The Ring Nebula is one of the most notable objects in our skies. It was discovered in 1779 by astronomers Antoine Darquier de Pellepoix and Charles Messier, and was added to the Messier Catalogue. Both astronomers stumbled upon the nebula when trying to follow the path of a comet through the constellation of Lyra, passing very close to the Ring Nebula.

These observations were completed as part of the James Webb Space Telescope observing programme GO 1558. Webb is an international partnership between NASA, ESA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).

 

 

YouTube Announces AI Music Principles And Launches YouTube Music AI Incubator

Today YouTube published a first ever set of AI music principles and unveiled the YouTube Music AI Incubator, kicking off with artists, songwriters and producers from Universal Music Group. YouTube’s three fundamental AI music principles are rooted in its commitment to collaborate  with the music industry alongside bold and responsible innovation in the space.

YouTube CEO, Neal Mohan, shared the platform’s AI music principles and his vision for how the framework will enhance creative expression while also protecting artistic integrity on the platform. The principles include:

 

  • Principle #1: AI is here, and we will embrace it responsibly together with our music partners. As generative AI unlocks ambitious new forms of creativity, YouTube and our partners across the music industry agree to build on our long collaborative history and responsibly embrace this rapidly advancing field.  Our goal is to partner with the music industry to empower creativity in a way that enhances our joint pursuit of responsible innovation.

 

  • Principle #2: AI is ushering in a new age of creative expression, but it must include appropriate protections and unlock opportunities for music partners who decide to participate. We’re continuing our strong track record of protecting the creative work of artists on YouTube. We’ve made massive investments over the years in the systems that help balance the interests of copyright holders with those of the creative community on YouTube.

 

  • Principle #3: We’ve built an industry-leading trust and safety organization and content policies. We will scale those to meet the challenges of AI. We spent years investing in the policies and trust and safety teams that help protect the YouTube community, and we’re also applying these safeguards to AI-generated content. Generative AI systems may amplify current challenges like trademark and copyright abuse, misinformation, spam, and more. But AI can also be used to identify this sort of content, and we’ll continue to invest in the AI-powered technology that helps us protect our community of viewers, creators, artists and songwriters–from Content ID, to policies and detection and enforcement systems that keep our platform safe behind the scenes. And we commit to scaling this work even further.

 

In a rare guest YouTube blog, Universal Music Group Chairman and CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge – who helped shape the principles –  shared his vision for an artist centric approach to generative AI and how partnering with YouTube would best position the music industry for success as this technology continues to develop. Excerpts from the blog post include:

 

  • “Our challenge and opportunity as an industry is to establish effective tools, incentives and rewards – as well as rules of the road – that enable us to limit AI’s potential downside while promoting its promising upside. If we strike the right balance, I believe AI will amplify human imagination and enrich musical creativity in extraordinary new ways.”

  • “Our enduring faith in human creativity is the bedrock of Universal Music Group’s collaboration with YouTube on the future of AI.  Central to our collective vision is taking steps to build a safe, responsible and profitable ecosystem of music and video—one where artists and songwriters have the ability to maintain their creative integrity, their power to choose, and to be compensated fairly.”

  • “Today, our partnership is building on that foundation with a shared commitment to lead responsibly, as outlined in YouTube’s AI principles, where Artificial Intelligence is built to empower human creativity, and not the other way around.  AI will never replace human creativity because it will always lack the essential spark that drives the most talented artists to do their best work, which is intention. From Mozart to The Beatles to Taylor Swift, genius is never random.”

 

Today’s announcement also introduced YouTube’s AI Music Incubator, a program that will bring together some of today’s most innovative artists, songwriters, and producers to help inform YouTube’s approach to generative AI in music. The incubator will kick off with a genre-spanning cohort of creatives from Universal Music Group, that includes Anitta, Björn Ulvaeus, d4vd, Don Was, Juanes, Louis Bell, Max Richter, Rodney Jerkins, Rosanne Cash, Ryan Tedder, Yo Gotti, and the Estate of Frank Sinatra, amongst others.

 

  • Björn Ulvaeus shares: “While some may find my decision controversial, I’ve joined this group with an open mind and purely out of curiosity about how an AI model works and what it could be capable of in a creative process. I believe that the more I understand, the better equipped I’ll be to advocate for and to help protect the rights of my fellow human creators.”

 

  • Juanes shares: “Music is fundamental to the human experience – culturally and personally. For artists, our music is part of who we are. Given music’s role, artists must play a central role in helping to shape the future of this technology.  I’m looking forward to working with Google and YouTube as part of this influential group of UMG artists to assure that AI develops responsibly as a tool to empower artists and that it is used respectfully and ethically in ways that amplify human musical expression for generations to come.”

 

  • Max Richter shares: “Like every new technology, AI brings with it opportunities, but it also raises profound challenges for the creative community. The tech world and the music distribution ecosystem are quickly evolving to embrace this transformative technology and, unless artists are part of this process, there is no way to ensure that our interests will be taken into account. We have to be in this conversation, or our voices won’t be heard. Therefore, I’m very happy to be part of the “artist incubator” which will allow me to advocate for the interests of the creative community in the applications of AI to music and music distribution.”

Interesting Facts About Online Slot Games

Online gaming is undoubtedly the most popular pastime/hobby throughout the world. The incredible advancements in technology over the past two decades have meant that online gaming is ultra realistic and offers an incredible experience. The tech we have today would make the likes of King Louis XIV green with jealousy. In the western world, even the most ordinary of us have access to 100x more luxury than any King or Queen to have existed prior to 50 years ago.

Where online gaming is concerned, one of the most improved areas has been the online slots scene. With hundreds of thousands of followers across the world, the online slots industry is worth billions of pounds in 2023 and that number is only expected to increase. There are plenty of myths surrounding slot machines and with this in mind, the TechBuzzIreland team thought that it would be a good idea to take a look at six interesting facts about online slot games.

Slot Machines Industry Expected to be Worth over £9 Billion by 2030

According to market researchers, the slot machine industry is expected to be worth over £9 billion by 2023, an increase of over 4% per year from 2023 statistics. This is worldwide growth and coincides with the increasing number of people deciding to play online slot machines. Of course, the majority of players are located in Europe and Japan as online casino gambling remains ‘illegal’ in the USA. If the US slots scene was to be legalised, the industry could be worth over double what it is worth now overnight. Even if California alone was to see its online casino industry legalised, the slot machine industry would be worth over £15 billion, easily.

Online Slot Machines are NOT Fixed

One of the biggest myths of all time is that online slot machines are fixed. Of course, this is not the case and one of the main reasons for this is because the industry is regulated. Where the UK and Ireland are concerned, online slots are regulated by the country’s government. All online casinos (and all online gambling operators for that matter) are required to prove that their games are 100% fair. Once they have done this, they are granted a licence to be able to offer their services to UK and Irish citizens.

Therefore, despite what you may have heard, we can guarantee that online slot machines are not fixed.

Online Slot Machines are NOT Boring

If you do not know much about slot machines, you might picture the old-fashioned one-armed bandit machines which litter the Las Vegas strip. However, the online video slot machines are completely different. To begin with, the newest slot machines are full of different features which were designed to both ensure excitement as well as improve the possibility of payouts. Online slot developers are disassociated from the operators themselves. The developers want players to play and enjoy their slots whilst also winning money at the same time. For this reason, they make every effort to create fun and great looking slots.

Themed slot games are becoming increasingly popular. Some development companies work with TV shows from Netflix series’ in order to create branded slots. In 2023, there are slots themed on Peaky Blinders, Hell’s Kitchen and a variety of other shows in pop culture. You can even play a Gladiator themed slot!

Online Slots are Tilted in the Favour of the House

Like all casino games, the house always has the advantage, and this includes slot games. Casino games come with what is called a return to player (RTP) percentage. This is essentially the amount of money which is paid back to the player from the game in question. For example, the better slot games will have an RTP of around 97%, this means that for every £100 put into the machine, the player will receive £97 in return. Of course, this is a sum based on millions of reel spins and does not take into account luck.

The casino game with the lowest house edge is usually European Blackjack which is close to 99%.

There ARE Online Slots with Thousands of Paylines

Old fashioned slot machines usually had no more than 10 paylines. Paylines are the spaces on the reels which, when symbols align on them, ensure that the machine pays out. In 2016, the development company Big Time Gaming (BTG) invented the Megaways mechanic. This mechanic allowed slot reels to change and align differently which resulted in modern video slots being able to offer over 100,000 paylines!

Today, there are hundreds of different Megaways slot games, many of which offer 117,649 paylines. These slots are some of the most exciting around and according to SlotsHawk.com, the best paying slot machines can trigger wins of up to 50,000x the bet.

There IS such a Thing as Online Penny Slots

Yes, penny slots do still exist. Simply put, there are new online slot machines which allow the player to bet £0.01 per spin. Although these slots aren’t too common, they certainly still exist. One of the advantages of playing slot machines online is that you can bet an amount you feel comfortable with. They come with minimum and maximum bet limits. You can bet anywhere from £500 per spin down to spinning for a penny.

Final Words

So, there you have it, the world of online slot machines is far different to what you probably expected. We hope that this article was able to help inform you on the truly spectacular online slots scene.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know in the comments.

The Buzz Around Monopoly Live Casino Games

The continuous advancements in online casino technology have helped to ensure that the whole industry continues to boom. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, online casino gaming remains extremely popular, even despite the recent controversies surrounding government gambling white papers and gambling regulations.    

Whilst there are thousands of casino games released every year, some games accumulate more publicity than others. In addition, there are some games which you can almost guarantee are going to be excellent, even before you have played them. For example, any Monopoly themed live casino game is usually excellent and there is always huge anticipation when one is announced. For this reason, the Tech Buzz Ireland Team has decided that we would take a look at some of the most successful Monopoly themed casino games with a particular emphasis on the technology behind the games.

Monopoly Live

The best-known and arguably most played Monopoly casino game is Monopoly Live. Monopoly Live is a live casino game which takes place in real-time and is hosted by a live dealer. Developed by Evolution Gaming and launched in 2019, Monopoly Live has since become one of the most played live dealer games in the world. In addition, it has become a trendsetter and has helped pioneer a new generation of game show themed live casino games.

From a technology point of view, the mechanics of the game are outstanding. A simple, game show wheel is spun by the live dealer, and when the wheel lands on a certain segment, it triggers the Monopoly Live bonus game. From this point forward, the viewer will see a 3D generated image of a Monopoly board with Mr Monopoly himself moving around. This is where the technology really speaks for itself. The bonus game is shown to all Monopoly Live players, of which there can be an unlimited number of players playing at any one time.

Monopoly Big Baller

Offering a mixture of both Bingo, slots and live dealer action, Monopoly Big Baller is one of the newest Monopoly themed games. There are several similarities with Monopoly Live here, including the bonus game which is also played on a 3D generated Monopoly board. The main difference between the two is that where Monopoly Live uses a spinning wheel, Monopoly Big Baller is played around bingo cards and a bingo machine.

Again, the technology featured in Monopoly Big Baller is exceptional, the bonus game being the main highlight. Again, there is a live dealer host which plays the game along with the players. The host spins the bingo machine and picks out the individual bingo balls too. Evolution gaming is the development team behind Monopoly Big Baller and they really did an excellent job combining the best features from different worlds of online gambling.

Evolution Gaming Remain the Best of the Best

Where live casino games are concerned, there is no one better than Evolution Gaming. They have a world class development team and continue to deliver extraordinarily successful games. As of August 2023, Evolution has not announced any plans for any new Monopoly themed live casino games. However, due to the success of Monopoly Live and Monopoly Big Baller, we do not believe it will be long before they do release a new title.

As far as we are aware, Evolution does still have a good relationship with Hasbro, the company which has trademarked the Monopoly brand. Therefore, we are excited as to what the development team at Evolution will come up with next. We are sure it will be ground-breaking.

Tech Review – Edifier QD35 Bluetooth speaker

As all my readers know I love my Bluetooth speakers and I have many here in the house and some passed onto family and friends due to space and newer versions however I tend to hold onto the good stuff regardless, Edifier is one of those brands I am a fan of for many years with the consistency of great tech and audio experience, when I got word of this speaker however my eyes lit up more than usual because of what I seen in the images and I just said I WANT!! Now having said that I am not biased with products from brands I like and use and call them out on the things I do not like and this includes this speaker and in short there is nothing to not like really and if you are a fan of Edifier you will feel the same and this is their first instance of such a product with RGB lights as far as I am aware of unless there is some other regional products I have not seen yet. The Edifier QD35 is their latest offering and we look at it today after testing it out for some time. This speaker is so cool it looks great just sitting there with no music on and not only that you can charge your devices with it so it is now part of my tech desk as it serves more than one purpose in once space and looks great doing it and not only that it fast charges and for my set up ideal for using in reviews.

The speaker is hefty which I like by that I mean it is small but has weight to it and yet still portable, the build quality is excellent and the design is great with some twisty dials throwing a nod to yesteryear USB and USB-C ports 3.5 aux and a nice old hefty power on/off switch which is on the rear, we have a USB A port on the rear too and one on the side coupled with a USB-C port and the opposite side is the dials and a button to change input that you press, the layout is clever and nice and the finish is excellent with a clear front and white sides with torx bolts on the clear front and the then you have the clock and the brand name lit up and the kaleidoscopic display of colored lights.

 

 

The Edifier QD35 is an all-in-one music system. It is certified to both “Hi-Res Audio” and “Hi-Res Audio Wireless” standards. The USB-A port and the AUX jack on the rear panel support high-resolution audio signals. With the enhancement of LDAC technology, you can also stream high-quality music with a 96kHz sampling rate to this speaker via Bluetooth. The 1-inch silk diaphragm dome tweeters are finely tuned for the exact reproduction of highs, from which the trebles sound crisp and bright. With the enhancement of MazeTube Bass Reflex Channels and TurbMuff Air Noise Suppression Technology, port noises and resonance are reduced to their lowest level.

 

The App 

The app since the last time we tested it has go a bit of an overhaul and looks great and is simple to use with an nice UI you can see the screenshots below and go watch the video review on a much more detailed look at the app and you can see all the features there and how to navigate the menu structure it is simple overall and really nice to use and lets you interact with the speaker in many ways however you can apply some settings with the toggles on the speaker and all is replicated in the app.

How does it sound then? It sounds great as you will see in the demo below and with the options of the app above you can customise to your own needs which is great, there is no distortion when turned up to the max no tinny sound either and it just bangs out the tunes in all their glory, there is nothing not to like about it and how the lights dance to the tunes which again you can change and customise to your own needs.

Overall this is a super cool speaker and the best so far from the company in terms of keeping with the trends today with RGB lighting looks and controls and much more this will sit well in anyone’s house or garage not only delivering great sound but it also offers the option to charge other devices while you do it.

Main Features:

  • LDAC codec with Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification
  • “Hi-Res Audio” and “Hi-Res Audio Wireless” standards
  • Stunning lighting displays
  • Bluetooth 5.3, USB-A, Aux-in
  • 40 RMS setting
  • Customized EQ settings

BUY

Video Review

Exogrip introduces their ground breaking gaming grip, designed to revolutionize the gaming experience

Exogrip, a gaming accessory startup, has unveiled a new gaming grip that conforms to gamers’ hands, providing enhanced comfort and control during gameplay. The innovative gaming grip is designed to effortlessly mould to the unique shape of each users’ hands, offering unparalleled comfort and control. Say goodbye to hand fatigue and cumbersome grips! Perfect for anyone who spends long hours gaming, the Exogrip assists players in achieving a more immersive and comfortable gaming experience. 

The PS5 controller grip utilizes patented technology that transforms it into a malleable material when heated. This allows it to perfectly conform to the user’s hand making it comfortable to use. The 3-step process is simple – heat the grip, grip the controller, then game! The three easy steps make it both uncomplicated and accessible to gamers of all skill levels. Heat, Grip, Game. This grip is ideal for gamers of all hand sizes and playing styles.


With the Exogrip, gaming becomes seamless, allowing for extended playing time without discomfort. The Exogrip maximises control and accuracy, giving you the competitive edge that you are looking for. 

 

Exogrip, a gaming accessory start-up, was created by 27-year-old Sam Coombes during Covid-19 lockdown. Coombes secured seed funding from his alma mater, the University of East Anglia, whilst continuing his full-time job as a digital marketing manager. The technology helps reduce hand and finger fatigue whilst gaming, improving performance and reducing the potential for injury. 

Samuel Coombes, founder of Exogrip, said: 

“Having been obsessed with gaming for most of my life, I noticed that the longer I spend doing it the more uncomfortable it got. Exogrip’s smart-grip solution is simple but effective and gives gamers just what they need – comfort and control, which adds up to a better gaming experience.

Most gamers will stop at nothing to unlock new gear, improve their times, work their way up the leader board and level up their gaming ability to beat their friends. This self-moulded grip gives them that all-important competitive edge.”

Exogrip, a gaming grip designed specifically to alleviate concerns about gamers hand health, is entering the market amidst growing concern over the potential health risks associated with prolonged gaming. Studies have linked extended periods of gaming with nerve damage and chronic conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. The Exogrip aims to address these issues by reducing strain on the hands during gameplay.

Sam Coombes adds: “Gamers are increasingly aware that their hobby can cause discomfort and pain, and they are looking for accessories that might help. Exogrip’s smart-grip solution has been designed with comfort in mind, and it could help to protect users from hand injuries in the future.” 

Price and Availability:

Exogrip is available for £24.99 from https://www.exogrip.co.uk/products/exogrip

 

 

Tech Review – Otterbox Thin Flex case for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

The Otterbox thin flex case is one of the latest on the market for Samsung’s latest devices the Galaxy Z Flip5, cases for flip phones tend to take a while to hit the shelves but over the next few weeks we will see them arrive but some companies have them ready out the gate on a device launch

The Thin Flex case comes in many colours so there is choice for the customer and that choice is only up to you on which colour you go for. The case is presented as expected from Otterbox and just comes in simple packaging and you get some information inside the box and two parts for the case being a flip phone.

The case itself for me is on the thicker side making the device a tad bulky on the front however this protects that all important cover display on the phone giving you piece of mind in that area all ports are well covered too and deep, you get a clear view on the rear of the cover of your phone and the keys work well. I did find the fingerprint sensor a tad awkward to use though with the thickness of the case opened and closed but again this could be just me and my big fingers.

Overall your device will be protected from harm here with the case but the only exposed part is the folding mechanism itself and I yet have to see any cases that cover this bar one I seen on an ad on Facebook so I might get that in soon.

Check out the video below for more.

Features

  • Hard case with soft grip edges
  • Ultra-slim case designed for foldable phones
  • DROP+ | drop tested to meet military standard (MIL-STD-810G 516.6)
  • Made with more than 50% recycled plastic
  • Wireless charging compatible
  • Easy installation
  • Lasting antimicrobial properties to protect the case*
    * Helps protect the case exterior against many common bacteria. It does not protect you or the screen.
  • Raised edges protect camera and screen
  • Hassle-free customer experience

Video Review

First look – Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and Watch 6 classic 47mm

The latest tech from Samsung is now hitting the shops and this time around it is the latest flips phone foldable phone and watches, samsung have been a leader in the flip and fold department over the years but the competition is now heating up from other known brands and I was was personally going to go with the latest Motorola flip phone which knocks on samsungs door on the cover display, speaking of the cover display on first noticing you have a lack of apps that can be placed on it,which is stupid in my book lets be honest here, they have had a tiny display on the cover for years and this time comes up with an almost full display and limit it.

There is workarounds though which is handy enough to implement and by going to the Samsung store you get the apps called good lock and multistar and this enables you to add what you like on the cover screen but it should not have to be this way so hopefully there will be an easier way with an update later on from them.

Having used the device with the Watch 6 the last few days so far so good bar some notifications not hitting the watch, the watch itself is nice and for me the bigger the watch the better and it is certainly getting attention along with the Flip5 as people have asked me about both and seen my typing and scrolling on the cover screen when the device is closed.

Check out the unboxing of both devices below and a walkthrough of the Flip5 and if you have any questions feel free to hit me up.

Unboxing and walkthrough