Month: June 2024

Virgin Media further expands market reach adding 254,000 premises nationwide in deal with National Broadband Ireland (NBI)

Virgin Media has agreed a network deal with National Broadband Ireland (NBI) whereby Virgin Media will offer a full range of superfast broadband and digital TV services to over 254,000 currently enabled NBI premises throughout Ireland.

Virgin Media’s ongoing €200m network upgrade to full fibre is continuing to 2025 and will support speeds up to 10Gbps. Virgin Media has recently upgraded over 281,000 premises to fibre, offering speeds of 2Gbps across its own network. The Virgin Media network already provides broadband speeds of 1Gbps (gigabits per second) to 1 million premises across Ireland.

Virgin Media’s deal with NBI, along with other already announced wholesale network access developments, brings to 1.4 million the number of premises now able to access Virgin Media’s fastest ever broadband services nationwide.

Virgin Media Ireland CEO Tony Hanway said, “With lightning-fast speeds of up to 2 Gig and 99.9% reliability, our full fibre broadband network is designed to revolutionise the way we connect and experience the digital world. This announcement today with NBI brings our ultrafast broadband and TV services to even more premises across Ireland, enabling homes, businesses, communities and regions nationwide to further prosper and grow.”

Peter Hendrick, CEO of National broadband Ireland (NBI) said, “We’re delighted that Virgin Media will join the growing number of retail service providers offering broadband packages on our network. There are now 70 retail service providers on our network, meaning there is huge choice for anyone connecting to high-speed fibre through NBI. Our rollout will ensure that every home, farm and business in Ireland has access to high-speed broadband with minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second available. We’ve now passed over 254,000 premises across the country and all of these have the same guarantee in terms of access, speed, and reliability.”

Creative Triumphs at EHA Awards 2024 with Double Accolades for Innovative Products

Creative proudly announces its recent triumph at the prestigious European Hardware Awards (EHA) 2024. Both Creative Aurvana Ace 2 and Creative Pebble X Plus have received top accolades, cementing the brand’s position as a frontrunner in the technology industry.

The EHA Awards are regarded as the pinnacle of achievement in the European tech landscape, uniting over 100 of Europe’s most respected technology journalists from prominent publications to recognize the year’s best hardware innovations. Celebrated for a decade of highlighting top technology hardware, the awards draw expertise from editors at leading tech publications across Europe, including Hardwareluxx (Germany), Geeknetic (Spain), KitGuru (UK), Cowcotland (France), PurePC (Poland), IO-Tech (The Nordics), Hardware Upgrade (Italy), Technology Insider (The Netherlands), and Lab 501 (Romania). Together, they ensure that the awards represent a comprehensive view of the best in the market.

The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 clinched the Best Earphones award, a testament to its superior sound quality and innovative design. Powered by xMEMS technology, the Aurvana Ace 2 unleashes the full potential of lifelike sound. It offers superior CD-quality clarity and precision, enhanced by Snapdragon Sound with Qualcomm aptX Lossless technology and Qualcomm Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation. These premium features are beautifully complemented by an aesthetically pleasing translucent compact charging case, perfectly blending performance and style.

In the Best Speakers category, the Creative Pebble X Plus stood out for its exceptional sound clarity, compact design, and powerful audio performance. Boasting an impressive RMS power of up to 30W and a peak power of up to 60W, both the 2.0 and 2.1 configurations promise a superior listening experience for music, movies, and gaming. In addition to its audio prowess, the Pebble X Plus features customizable RGB lighting, allowing users to create a pulsating light show to match any mood. With both wired and wireless modes, these speakers are an excellent choice for those seeking a premium desktop audio upgrade.

“We are thrilled and deeply honoured to receive these prestigious awards from the European Hardware Association,” said Song Siow Hui, CEO of Creative. “The recognition of the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 and Creative Pebble X Plus underscores our commitment to innovation, quality, and delivering outstanding products to our customers. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.”

For more information about their award-winning products, visit their website at Creative.com

See out latest Creative reviews

CRKD Engages Nitro Power in Time for Summer, Announcing the Shipping of NITRO DECK+ for Nintendo Switch & OLED Switch Consoles

CRKD, the premium collectible gaming brand behind the award-winning Nitro Deck and the recently launched NEO S™ collectible controllers, announced today that the highly anticipated NITRO DECK+, has begun shipping to gamers worldwide.
The award-winning Nitro Deck redefined gaming for Nintendo Switch users playing their console in handheld mode, enhancing their experience via stick drift free control and a raft of useful features. Announced via the IGN FanFest event in February, the handheld deck proudly returns for an encore with the all-new NITRO DECK+.
Featuring the same comfortable footprint as the original Nitro Deck, the NITRO DECK+ introduces several new innovations based on community feedback and designed to make Switch gaming better than ever.
Gamers will immediately note the improved ergonomics, made possible by shifting the placement of the right thumbstick to allow for more intuitive play via the symmetrical design. Gamers can now play their Switch on the TV without the need of an external dock! Featuring an integrated USB-C HDMI compatible output, users can switch between handheld and TV play without ever needing to remove their Switch console from their NITRO DECK+.
Even greater options for precise control feature on the NITRO DECK+ thanks to the new ‘Sidekick’ buttons located to the side of each thumbstick. Designed to work in conjunction with the new symmetrical thumbstick configuration, the Sidekick buttons are pre-programmed to replicate the B and A action button commands, ideal for super-fast feedback when gamers need it most. By replicating the most commonly used action buttons, the Sidekicks provide speedier reaction times, and when used in conjunction with the re-mappable back buttons that are pre-programmed to the action buttons (X, Y, A, B), users have a variety of ways to interact with the action buttons while keeping both thumbs resting comfortably on the sticks, leveling up your game by putting more power and versatility in the palms of your hands.
The new easy eject system makes removing your console from the NITRO DECK+ even easier with no need to touch the screen or add additional stress while removing.
An upgraded rumble system delivers more intense vibration which can be adjusted to suit the gamers’ preference, and Bluetooth® has also been added, which can be used as an alternative connection, allowing for simple pairing to CRKD CTRL, a feature within the CRKD Companion App for iOS™ and Android® that allows users to control the adjustable features of the Deck which include re-mapping buttons, adjusting trigger sensitivity, changing thumbstick dead zones, fine tuning rumble settings, firmware updates & more!
The NITRO DECK+ is also compatible with the True Collection System, another feature within the app that allows users to tap their smart device to their hardware revealing their product number and rarity rank as well as the ability to add their Deck to their unique collection. The app also features the CRKD Shop & CRKD TV, a hub for all things CRKD related.
The NITRO DECK+ adds all these new features without removing the standout innovations featured on the original design. The full list of features present on NITRO DECK+ include:
  • Ergonomically designed – all-new thumbstick placement
  • No Stick Drift – made possible via Hall-Effect sensors
  • USB-C to HDMI Compatibility for TV play – (play while docked)
  • Programmable Sidekick buttons – faster, more responsive control
  • Low latency response – (direct connection via USB-C)
  • Adjustable trigger sensitivity – tweak your triggers to suit your style
  • Swappable Stick Tops – better grip to suit your style
  • Re-mappable back buttons – keep your thumbs on the sticks
  • Gyro compatible – ideal for motion control games
  • Adjustable Vibration Feedback – to rumble or not rumble, the choice is yours
  • No Deadzone Mode – find the sweet spot in your chosen game
  • Pass-through charging feature – no need to stop play to charge
  • Use NITRO DECK+ as a wired controller on PC or Switch – perfect for TV play
  • Integrated Display Stand – stands AND delivers!
  • Turbo Function – (add turbo functionality to any action or trigger button)
  • Bluetooth connection – (to update firmware via app)
  • Easy Eject System – remove the Switch without touching the screen
  • Connects to the CRKD companion app – (True Collection System)
The NITRO DECK+ is shipping now to those who pre-ordered and is available to purchase for new customers in two colors: Clear Black and Clear White. Both designs retail for:
$69.99 / €79.99 / £69.99 without a USB-C to HDMI adapter, and $79.99 / €89.99 / £79.99 with an adapter. Purchase today at: https://go.crkd.gg/ndplus
For more information about NITRO DECK+ and all CRKD products, please visit: https://crkd.gg

First look – HONOR 200 Pro first look and walkthrough

We have been busy in Paris lately at the latest smartphone launch from HONOR and their all new 200 series and the event was something else and there was many new devices on offer that will certainly get any mobile interested. The HONOR 200 Pro is the flagship model coming in at a really good price too which is good for competition and the consumer.

We are now checking out the HONOR 200 Pro over the next few weeks and so far I am impressed at what is on offer here and i you like portrait this is a game change make no mistake about it. With a great build quality fabulous screen great battery and a portrait mode like no other this looks like it is going to be a good one.

We are very busy so will keep this one quick and you can check out more about the launch event in Paris here and see what was on show and in the interim if you have any questions feel free to comment on our social media and YouTube where we will gladly answer any questions.

Recognizing the most important tools in portrait photography are light and shadow, the HONOR 200 Series has been equipped with advanced hardware and meticulously co-engineered AI-powered software that recognizes even the most subtle nuances of lighting. The HONOR 200 Pro features a 50MP Portrait Main Camera with a Super Dynamic H9000 Sensor enabling users to capture compelling images with the perfect balance of light and shadow in even challenging lighting scenarios. With support for 4-in-1 pixel binning technology with a pixel size of 2.4μm, users can capture intricate details in their images even in low light scenarios. Additionally, the HONOR 200 Pro features a 50MP Portrait Telephoto Camera and a customized telephoto sensor from Sony. The HONOR 200 Pro also provides better light sensing capabilities, ensuring clear and true captures of distant objects with exceptional details.

Image and video samples

Read more and purchase here

HONOR 200 Pro walkthrough

HONOR Launches HONOR 200 Series, bringing Studio-Level Portrait Photography to Europe

HONOR, the fastest growing smartphone brand in Europe, unveiled the HONOR 200 Series line-up during a landmark event at the iconic Hipódromo de París-Longchamp in Paris. At the event, attended by over 800 media representatives and partners from across Europe, HONOR confirmed that the HONOR 200 Series will be available in Europe almost immediately, with pre-sales starting today. This marks the first time the Pro version of this product range will be available in the region. The HONOR 200 Series will be available in the UK from today. And make sure you stay tuned as we are here at the event for more coming soon.

Central to the keynote presentation was further detail on the partnership with Studio Harcourt, a legendary Parisian portrait photography house, which was unveiled recently by HONOR CEO, George Zhao. Demonstrating HONOR’s unwavering commitment to innovation, HONOR’s product team have worked closely with Harcourt’s expert photographers to analyze thousands of images and co-engineer the HONOR AI Portrait Engine. By combining Studio Harcourt’s expertise and artistry with HONOR’s cutting-edge platform-level AI capabilities, the HONOR 200 Pro enables users to manipulate light and shadow, the foundation of studio-level portraits, to get the perfect shot every time.

“With the HONOR 200 Series, we’re proud to bring the perfect fusion of artistry and technology to Europe, allowing anyone to take studio-level portraits every time”, said Tony Ran, President of HONOR Europe. “While a studio-quality portrait has been out of reach for many until now, the HONOR 200 Series sets a new standard in smartphone portrait photography, putting a professional studio in your pocket. This unprecedented achievement in AI technology not only showcases HONOR’s commitment to innovation but also underscores our relentless pursuit of excellence in redefining the boundaries of mobile photography.”

Other key announcements at the event included a major collaboration with renowned portrait photographer, Rankin, famous for his iconic shots of celebrities including Queen Elizabeth II, David Bowie and Kate Moss. Further details of what the partnership entails will be announced in the coming weeks but a potential summer event in London was teased. Additionally, it was announced that the MagicBook 16 Pro, previously unveiled at this year’s MWC, will be available in some European countries this summer.

At the event, we had the opportunity to celebrate the new HONOR 200 Series and experience its capabilities firsthand through interactive experience zones and pop-up portrait studios, provided by Studio Harcourt.

Unlocking the Mastery of Studio Harcourt Portrait Photography

Recognizing the most important tools in portrait photography are light and shadow, the HONOR 200 Series has been equipped with advanced hardware and meticulously co-engineered AI-powered software that recognizes even the most subtle nuances of lighting. The HONOR 200 Pro features a 50MP Portrait Main Camera with a Super Dynamic H9000 Sensor enabling users to capture compelling images with the perfect balance of light and shadow in even challenging lighting scenarios. With support for 4-in-1 pixel binning technology with a pixel size of 2.4μm, users can capture intricate details in their images even in low light scenarios. Additionally, the HONOR 200 Pro features a 50MP Portrait Telephoto Camera and a customized telephoto sensor from Sony. The HONOR 200 Pro also provides better light sensing capabilities, ensuring clear and true captures of distant objects with exceptional details.

The HONOR 200 Pro takes portrait photography to new heights with the powerful AI-enhanced HONOR AI Portrait Engine. With a rich history of photographing legends from Roger Federer to the esteemed Queen Rania of Jordan, Studio Harcourt is synonymous with timeless portraits that showcase a symphony of visual storytelling through the skillful use of light and shadows. In collaboration with Studio Harcourt, the HONOR AI Portrait Engine distilled Studio Harcourt’s craftsmanship and understanding of shadow and light expression, empowering users to capture unique, distinctive portraits on their smartphones effortlessly.

The mutual ideation process involved an extensive exploration by more than 20 Studio Harcourt and HONOR imaging experts over 400 days. The team analyzed over 1,000 lighting scenarios and millions of datasets, ensuring Studio Harcourt’s classic essence can be captured on smartphones. In addition, the Triple 50MP Portrait Camera incorporates an upgraded HONOR RAW Domain Algorithm, producing well-balanced portraits that manage exposure in bright areas while preserving intricate details in darker lighting scenarios.

Innovative Eye Comfort Display for Extended Immersion

Adhering to its commitment to human-centric innovations, the HONOR 200 Pro features 3840Hz Risk-free PWM Dimming, as verified by the TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free Display Certification and the TÜV Rheinland Full Care Display Certification. To ensure extended eye comfort, the HONOR 200 Series also features Natural Tone 2.0, which optimizes the display color temperature gradient based on ambient light, and an AI Circadian Night Display that leverages AI to intelligently adjust the color temperature of the screen to regulate blue light and transition to a melatonin boosting setting at night to improve sleep quality based on users’ sleep cycle. Furthermore, the HONOR 200 Series supports Adaptive Dimming, which adjusts screen brightness based on external light input and the application use, ensuring a more comfortable viewing experience. With the 1.5K Quad-curved Floating Display and a peak HDR brightness of 4000 nits, the HONOR 200 Series allows users to enjoy excellent visibility even in the most challenging scenarios such as direct sunlight.

Enhanced Hardware Performance for Seamless Connectivity

The HONOR 200 Pro is packed with a large 5200mAh Silicon-carbon battery that enables up to 61 hours of continuous music streaming on a single charge. To maximize user productivity, the HONOR 200 Pro features powerful supercharge capabilities. With lightning-fast 100W Wired HONOR SuperCharge and 66W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge, users can charge their device fully in only 41 minute making it the ideal device for busy users who are always on the go. The HONOR 200 Pro also provides an impressive 12GB memory and large 512GB storage drive, which allows users to store and access their data without limitations, guaranteeing a seamless and hassle-free experience.

Equipped with the robust Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform, the HONOR 200 Pro achieves a CPU clock speed of up to 3GHz, guaranteeing seamless graphics rendering and real-time responsiveness. Featuring MagicOS 8.0, the HONOR 200 Pro offers an intelligent user experience enriched with a range of AI-powered smart functionalities. MagicOS 8.0 also offers flagship features such as Magic Portal, Magic Capsule and Magic Ring on the HONOR 200 Pro that streamline user digital interactions.

HONOR 200 Lite: Capture Every Moment with its Versatile Triple Camera System

Launched alongside the HONOR 200 PRO and HONOR 200, the HONOR 200 Lite equipped with a powerful triple camera system, the HONOR 200 Lite excels in portrait photography, empowering users to capture stunning images with exceptional detail. The system consists of a 108MP Main Camera with f/1.75 aperture and HIGH-RES mode, a 5MP Wide & Depth Camera, and a 2MP Macro Camera. The 50MP Front Camera with a Selfie Light that creates artistic lighting effect. It also boasts an impressive 6.7-inch Eye-comfort AMOLED Display with the 3240Hz risk-free PWM Dimming and the display’s peak HDR brightness of 2000nits, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage and exceptional durability.

Pricing and Availability

Showcasing an elegant design inspired by nature, the HONOR 200 Pro is available in three colours: Ocean Cyan, Moonlight White, and Black, while the HONOR 200 is available in Moonlight White, Emerald Green, and Black.

The HONOR 200 Pro and HONOR 200 will be available for purchase in the UK from today on HONOR.com/uk and pre-order through major retailers on the 21st June, with general sale on the 26th June. Both devices will also be available in Three on the 28th June and other key UK operators in due course.

The HONOR 200 Pro launches at£699.99 RRP, and customers will also receive a FREE Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8, worth£279.99 RRP, across all available sales channels, whilst stocks last.

The HONOR 200 is priced at just £499.99 RRP, and customers will also receive a FREE JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi, worth£199.99 RRP, across all available sales channels, whilst stocks last.

For those looking to perfect their portraits at a more affordable price, the HONOR 200 Lite is also available at £279.99 RRP on HONOR.com/uk and major UK retailers. Plus get £30 off on HONOR.com/uk with code “A200L30”.

Visit HONOR online store at https://www.honor.com/uk/.

UNBOXING HONOR 200 PRO

The event in 7 minutes

Walkthrough of the HONOR 200 Pro

AWS Announces $230 Million Commitment for Generative AI Startups

Amazon Web Services, Inc. today announced a $230 million commitment for startups around the world to accelerate the creation of generative AI applications. This will provide startups, especially early-stage companies, with AWS credits, mentorship, and education to further their use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. Part of the new commitment will fund the second cohort of the AWS Generative AI Accelerator, a program that provides hands-on expertise and up to $1 million in credits to each of the top 80 early-stage startups that are using generative AI to solve complex challenges. Applications for the AWS Generative AI Accelerator open today and will be accepted until July 19. Startups can apply here.

“For more than 18 years, AWS has helped more startups to build, launch, and scale their business than any other cloud provider—it’s no coincidence that 96% of all AI/ML unicorns run on AWS,” said Matt Wood, vice president, Artificial Intelligence Products at AWS. “With this new effort, we will help startups launch and scale world-class businesses, providing the building blocks they need to unleash new AI applications that will impact all facets of how the world learns, connects, and does business.”

Interested startups can learn more about how to access these funds here. Startups can use AWS credits to access AWS compute, storage, and database technologies, as well as AWS Trainium and AWS Inferentia2, energy-efficient AI chips that offer high performance at the lowest cost. These credits can also be used on Amazon SageMaker, a fully managed service that helps companies build and train their own FMs, as well as to access models and tools to easily and securely build generative AI applications through Amazon Bedrock.

AWS Generative AI Accelerator continues to launch successful startups

The AWS Generative AI Accelerator identifies top early-stage startups that are using generative AI to solve complex challenges in areas such as financial services, healthcare and life sciences, media and entertainment, business, and climate change, among others. Participants will access sessions on ML performance enhancement, stack optimization, and go-to-market strategies. The 10-week program will match participants with both business and technical mentors based on industry vertical. Startups will receive up to $1 million each in AWS credits to help them build, train, test, and launch their generative AI solutions. They will also have access to industry experts, technology, and technical sessions from NVIDIA, the program’s presenting partner, and be invited to join the NVIDIA Inception program, designed to nurture cutting-edge startups.

AWS will announce selected startups for the second cohort on September 10, and the program will kick off on October 1 with in-person sessions at Amazon’s Seattle campus. All 80 participating startups will be invited to attend and showcase their solutions to potential investors, customers, partners, and AWS leaders in December at re:Invent 2024 in Las Vegas.

“AWS has been instrumental in enabling us to scale our generative AI platform to meet the rapidly growing demand from our global user community. Their robust generative AI infrastructure helped us reduce inferencing costs by 60% and accelerate our language model inference speeds by up to 35%,” said Jachin Bhasme, co-founder and COO of Leonardo.AI, a powerful suite of generative AI tools for creators and one of the 21 startups to participate in the first cohort of the program. “The accelerator was also an incredible experience for us. The business and technical mentorship we received and the connections we made played a crucial role in shaping our product and strategy.”

“AWS has the right combination of technology, network of partners, and potential customers in the life sciences space that made it the best fit to support our vision of building the next generation of AI models for drug discovery,” said Nima Alidoust, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Vevo Therapeutics, an AI-driven biotechnology startup building the world’s first platform to generate high-resolution, single-cell in vivo data in living organisms at scale. “Participating in the AWS Generative AI Accelerator program provided us with valuable opportunities to tap into this community and to leverage AWS’s infrastructure and expertise in scaling model training and development.”

To learn more about the opportunities for generative AI startups choosing AWS, and the application process for the AWS Generative AI Accelerator, visit startups.aws.

AirHelp unveils new benefits in latest update to AirHelp+ memberships

AirHelp, the leading travel tech company supporting passengers with flight disruptions, today announces it has upgraded its popular AirHelp+ (AirHelp Plus) subscription, which now offers two-tiered memberships: Smart and Pro.

AirHelp+ benefits

Where eligible, AirHelp+ Smart and Pro members receive compensation for flight disruptions, luggage claims, and expense claims, without AirHelp charging a fee, ensuring passengers get all the money they are entitled to from the airline. AirHelp+ members will be entitled to 100% of the compensation up to 600 EUR and can receive up to 6,000 EUR for extra costs incurred, as well as up to 1,400 EUR for luggage issues.

All members will have priority around-the-clock assistance through AirHelp’s customer support, and receive enhanced travel communications through flight notifications. AirHelp+ members can also access exclusive deals from AirHelp partners, such as discounts on eSIMs and car rentals, and transfer support.

AirHelp AirPayout insurance gives passengers 100 EUR if they have faced delays of more than three hours, their flight is diverted, or if they face a cancellation less than 28 days before departure. The money will be paid into the registered bank account within hours after provided details and is provided on top of any eligible airline compensation. Members can also benefit from AirLuggage protection/insurance, which pays passengers an additional 100 EUR for lost or delayed luggage, on top of any airline compensation. If passengers experience a cancellation or delay of more than one hour, they can enjoy lounge access* away from crowds for comfort.

Hassle-free compensation

AirHelp has helped 2.3 million passengers claim compensation to date and its network of specialised lawyers is the biggest of any travel tech company globally. Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO at AirHelp, comments: “We strive to bring passengers the smoothest travel experience possible through providing valuable and relevant benefits to support them when flights are disrupted. With one in four flights delayed, passengers risk losing time and money through disruptions and should be best prepared for when travels do not go according to plan.

“The AirHelp+ memberships have been developed based on an increased focus on the passenger experience, with 6.5 million passengers choosing AirHelp+ protection already. Compensation is no longer enough to make up for lost time and money, and the stress of disruptions. We want to ensure passengers can have the best experience possible – from the moment they arrive at the airport to when they return home after their trip. The new AirHelp+ memberships provide all passengers with the protection, comfort, and assistance they need while ensuring they get the compensation they are owed – without the hassle and management fees.”

Find out more about the AirHelp Plus memberships here.

Lenbrook Media Group Partners with HDtracks to Create Streaming Service for Music Enthusiasts and Audiophiles

Lenbrook Media Group, specialists in high resolution audio technology, and HDtracks, the pioneering service for audiophile quality music downloads, have announced a partnership to develop a streaming service aimed squarely at discerning music fans. Among a set of unique features, the service will offer consumers choice in formats and will be the first subscription service using a novel application of the AIRIA by MQA Labs codec.

“We have wanted to launch an HDtracks streaming service for some time. In Lenbrook we have a partner with global reach to help us launch a service ensuring quality and consumer choice,“ says HDtracks co-founder David Chesky, who has been a leader in high resolution audio alongside his brother Norman. “Fans will get to choose their format – either PCM/FLAC or MQA – in a service that will ensure high resolution audio streaming whether you are in your home or on-the-go.”

The HDtracks service will be the first to use Lenbrook’s AIRIA by MQA Labs, a transparent delivery codec equally suited for streaming from the cloud or wirelessly from a device to headphones. Designed for low-latency wireless communications by the inventors of lossless compression, it brings the benefits of a format-agnostic, scalable codec with an unmatched combination of audio quality, reliability, and data-efficiency.

“Our industry has been built by providing discerning music enthusiasts with choices while using innovation to advance digital music delivery,” explains Lenbrook’s Chief Strategy Officer, John Banks. “As audiophiles ourselves, it’s an exciting prospect to bring a service to life for the millions of global audiophiles that care so passionately about the quality of the music they listen to.”

The service will be available across platforms. In addition to its own applications for mobile, the service will find its way into many of the world’s leading high-end audio ecosystems, apps, and brands, that count on service providers for their content.

Mike Jbara, VP and GM of Lenbrook Media Group adds, “Norman and David are the perfect partners for Lenbrook. Their experience and understanding of the high-end audio fan is unique and their history with quality and innovation speaks for itself. We are ready to embark on this journey with them and think music fans are going to love it.”

Jabra Powers AI-Driven Intelligent Meeting Experiences

Jabra, a global leader in personal sound and hybrid work solutions, is showcasing its latest in video collaboration at InfoComm 2024 including AI-driven intelligent meeting experiences, next generation meeting room management, and future proofing with enhanced service offerings.

Unlocking intelligent meeting experiences with PanaCast 50

AI technologies are helping to drive productivity and enhance today’s hybrid meeting experiences. Yet, the efficacy of AI assistants depends heavily on the input it receives. Jabra provides the audio quality input needed to optimise AI-powered intelligent meeting experiences.

The Jabra PanaCast 50 intelligent video bar is the first front-of-room device certified for Microsoft’s Intelligent Speaker functionality. Intelligent Speaker identifies who said what in a meeting room and accurately attributes speaker names to their transcript, enhancing AI-based productivity tools such as Intelligent Meeting Recap and Copilot in Microsoft Teams. As a certified Intelligent Speaker device, PanaCast 50 is designed to maximie accuracy in transcriptions and provides more accurate input for Intelligent Meeting Recap and Copilot.

Updates to PanaCast 50 will also bring Microsoft People Recognition* functionality to the video bar. With the PanaCast 50 180-degree field of view, all people in the meeting room are seen in the highest video quality, powering Microsoft People Recognition which recognises and adds the names of in-room participants to their individual videos and the meeting roster – providing a more equitable hybrid meeting experience.

New Multi-stream Dynamic Composition* for PanaCast 50 provides a close up of meeting room participants by giving individuals their own video stream, in addition to showing a panoramic view of the entire meeting room for a natural, inclusive experience for all meeting participants. With Intelligent Speaker, People Recognition and Multi-Stream Dynamic Composition, Jabra PanaCast 50 provides the most comprehensive hybrid meeting experience with Microsoft Teams.

“AI assistants have the potential to drive significant productivity gains in today’s hybrid workforce, but the right hardware is critical to unlocking the true value of these technologies,” said Holger Reisinger, SVP Enterprise Solutions at Jabra. “Our PanaCast portfolio provides a gateway to these intelligent experiences, and we will continue to enhance our video collaboration devices with AI-powered feature updates to meet the evolving needs of the hybrid workplace.”

A broader range of Jabra professional devices are also available to power AI-driven intelligent meeting experiences, including the Certified for Microsoft Teams Jabra Speak2 75 which now supports Intelligent Speaker.

More meeting flexibility and inclusivity with Jabra PanaCast 50 VBS

Jabra is bringing additional meeting flexibility to the Jabra PanaCast 50 VBS Android collaboration bar with the new Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) Mode. Available now, BYOD mode enables users to join meetings on other platforms from their own laptop by plugging a USB cable into the PanaCast 50 VBS. The high-quality camera, microphones, and speakers from the video bar will be used during the meeting, and the user’s laptop will serve as the temporary in-room compute – providing flexibility while maintaining a premium audio and video experience.

Updates to PanaCast 50 VBS will also provide audio clarity. New Enhanced Noise Suppression* intelligently separates voice from disruptive sounds such as typing and paper crunching to transmit high-quality, professional sound to remote participants.

New Single-stream Dynamic Composition for Teams Rooms includes a close-up view of the most recent speakers in a meeting room, along with a 180-degree panoramic view of the meeting room. New Multi-Stream Dynamic Composition for Zoom Rooms creates an individual real-time video feed of each in-room participant along with a 180-degree panoramic view of the meeting room. With this new feature, PanaCast 50 VBS supports six streams, including one full room video and an additional five streams to capture close-ups of participants in the meeting room. These new PanaCast 50 VBS features provide more inclusive meeting experiences, giving participants joining remotely a better view of everyone in the room.

Next generation meeting room management

Jabra+ for admins is Jabra’s new cloud-based API-first software platform for remote monitoring and management of meeting rooms. With Jabra+ for admins, users can seamlessly monitor and manage all Jabra meeting room solutions with a clear visual overview of rooms, locations, and devices.

As a unified software platform, Jabra+ for admins will eventually integrate with IT help desk systems and third-party tools to create an ecosystem for device management. Whether updating devices, customising headsets, or integrating with Jabra devices, users engage with a single system.

Jabra+ for admins meeting room management will be available end of June. Personal device management is planned for later this year.