Month: July 2024

Tech Review – Zeniko inflatable tube lights

The Zeniko OT40Bi & OT80Bi Multi Use Inflatable Tube Lights are two simple inflatable lights to help those who are doing content creation and more these can be used in any setting and simple just pump up with air and can be attached to existing items or surroundings be it at home or in the office.

There is no other set-up required after that and they come with a simple remote control to change the colour and brightness which is pretty cool not only that these are waterproof and can be place in say a fish tank or other setting, not only are these waterproof they are bodyproof if you want to try that out for make up classes etc..

If that is not enough these are so portable these could be used for camping if you had a sudden power cut and you have prepared and had power banks charged these could save your day.

There is two sizes to pick from one being 40cm and 5W and the other being 80cm with 10W so check which size suits you best for your needs or you can have both to get a better bright setting for your needs.

From 3000K to 6500K, OT40 Bi and OT80 Bi provide a wide range of bi-color temperatures in 5 levels. With an impressive 10-level brightness, this delivers a smooth and superb lighting experience for all creators.

Asides the straps on the rear there is also a magnetic back on the two lights which is hand of you are not able to strap it onto existing items for example in my set-up I can use either which is rather handy I must say but that is just me.

There is a High Brightness & Color Temperature: From 3000K to 6500K, It provides a wide range of bi-color temperatures in 5 levels. 5W(OT40Bi)/10W(OT80Bi) power and 10-level brightness delivers a smooth and superb lighting experience.

What’s more fun with these lights is that they roll up and can fit in any camera or tech back and plug in via USB-C be it your PC phone or portable charger these are a must have for those who want something simple.

Check out some more light reviews 

 

Features

  • Air Pump Inflation Design: Integrated with an air valve, the tube lights can be effortlessly inflated using the included air pump, ensuring effective content creation wherever and whenever you go.
  • Lightweight & Portable: Crafted from durable yet lightweight materials, ZENIKO OT40 Bi/OT80 Bi boast excellent portability and flexibility with a mere 129g/185g in weight. Rollit in the palm of your hand, and take it away.
  • High Brightness & Color Temperature: From 3000K to 6500K, It provides a wide range of bi-color temperatures in 5 levels. 5W(OT40Bi)/10W(OT80Bi) power and 10-level brightness delivers a smooth and superb lighting experience for all creators.
  • Magnetic Back: Equipped with magnet back, it can be easily attached to any flat surface made of iron, providing flexible fill light stand illumination.
  • Hanger Strap: The ZENIKO inflatable light is also designed with a strap on the back, offering the convenience of handheld use or secure fastening-up  in any scenario, enhancing the overall user experience.
  • Multiuse: Lightweight, easily install and attachable make the ZENIKO OT40 Bi air tube light portable for photography, video recording, camping, tent use etc.

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Video Review

The Latest Technology Used in Home Stairlifts

You or your loved one with mobility retirements can use home stairlifts to get some mobility and freedom back. Installing a home stairlift in your home can help you to transport those with mobility issues up and down stairs safely. Home stairlifts provide a sense of independence and enhance quality of life. 

Home stairlifts are affordable and come with unique features. Home stairlift technology can make stairlifts convenient and reliable. The advancements in technology enhance the safety, comfort and effectiveness of home stairlifts. 

Read on to learn the latest technology used in home stairlifts: 

Memory Seats

Do you use a stairlift to get up and down stairs in your home? Then, you probably want to find the perfect seated position. Thankfully, memory seats allow you to store your preferred seat position and height. You can program your preferred seat position and height. Your stairlift will automatically adjust to your saved settings. 

Emergency Stop Mechanisms 

Home stairlifts have emergency stop mechanisms. The emergency stop button provides an additional safety layer. You will just press the button during an emergency. It will stop your stairlift quickly and safely. You will not even feel sudden jerking movements. So, you do not have to worry about falling down the stairs. The emergency stop button can give you and your loved ones peace of mind. 

Obstruction Detection System

Home stairlifts come with obstacle detection systems. The obstruction detection system detects potential obstacles on the stairs. How? It uses infrared sensors or lasers. So, if the system detects an obstacle, the stairlift automatically stops. The purpose of this feature is to avoid a collision and keep the users safe. You will never have to worry about your loved ones. 

Pressure Sensors

Pressure sensors are embedded in the seat. They detect whether the home stairlift is occupied. Therefore, it prevents the stairlift from operating accidentally. For instance, if you accidentally bump the control, the stairlift will not move. The lift only moves when the seat is occupied. The pressure sensors can also stop the stairlift if the lift encounters obstacles. 

Powered Footrests

You no longer have to manually adjust footrests. Powered footrests are one of the best safety features found in modern home stairlifts. You can adjust the footrest with a simple press of a button. And the footrests automatically retract and extend as your stairlift moves. Powered footrests can improve user experience and ensure a smooth ride. 

Swivel Seats

Many modern home stairlifts feature swivel seats. Swivel seats rotate 45 or 90 degrees. So, they can help you mount and dismount the stairlift. That is why they are suitable if your legs are weak. You will be able to get on and off the seat of your stairlift with ease. They can reduce the risk of falls. 

Mobile App Connectivity

We use our mobile phones to do so many things. You can, for instance, use your smartphone to control electronic devices. Nowadays, you can also use your smartphone to control your home stairlift remotely. You can even monitor the operation status of your stairlift from your smartphone. You will, therefore, be able to manage your mobility needs easily. 

Smart Home Integration

Do you want to control your home stairlift with your voice? It is now possible. In fact, you can use virtual assistants, such as Google Assistant or Alexa, to control your stairlift. You do not even have to press a button to control your stairlift. You will just use your voice to control it. And if you want to create a smart home, your home stairlift can be connected to other smart devices in your home. 

Backup Battery 

You may want to use your home stairlift throughout the day. Thankfully, modern home stairlifts have a backup battery. So, you do not have to worry about power outages. If there is no power in your home, you can still use your stairlift. The backup battery charges automatically. And it holds power for 6 – 8 trips. 

Speed Control 

You need to consider the speed at which the home stairlift travels. Stairlifts have a speed of around 0.16 to 0.34 miles per hour. Manufacturers place speed limiters on modern home stairlifts. The speed limiter prevents speed malfunctions. So, it prevents dangerous speeds. It will ensure the stairlift does not exceed the top speed of the stairlift. If you can prevent your stairlift from going too fast, you can prevent unnecessary accidents in your home. 

Emergency Contact Button 

Some modern home stairlifts have an emergency contact button. You can use it in an emergency to contact emergency services or a loved one. You will just program the emergency contact button. The stairlift can even store multiple emergency contacts. 

Diagnostic Systems

You would want to know the well-being of your home stairlift. You can, therefore, use the diagnostic display to monitor the performance of your stairlift. The diagnostic system can even help you detect potential issues. You will need to fix these issues to prevent breakdowns. The system alerts service providers and users. Do not ignore these alerts. 

Final Thoughts 

Modern home stairlifts from trusted local companies such as O Connor Carrol Stairlifts Kildare are safe and convenient. They provide a safe way to go up and down the stairs. They can reduce the risks of falls in your home. However, you still want to make sure your home stairlift suits your needs. You may need to test different models to find the best one for your home. 

A good home stairlift is affordable and convenient, comfortable and can help you gain independence. Do not forget to maintain your stairlift. Why? Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your stairlift.

The Modern Technologies Used By Teeth Whitening Clinics in Ireland

Teeth whitening has become an increasingly popular cosmetic dental procedure in Ireland, with many seeking brighter, more confident smiles. Modern technologies have significantly improved the effectiveness and efficiency of these treatments. In this article, we’ll explore the modern technologies used by teeth whitening clinics in Ireland. 

The Appeal of a White, Bright Smile in Ireland

Having a white, bright smile can significantly elevate your confidence levels and enhance your attractiveness. Here are a few reasons why a white smile is so appealing:

Youthful Appearance: As we age, our teeth tend to yellow and become discoloured. Whitening your teeth can reverse this effect, helping you achieve a more youthful look.

Enhanced Overall Appearance: A bright, white smile can be a major asset, making your face stand out and balancing other features like skin tone and hair colour.

Increased Confidence: When you feel good about your appearance, you’re more likely to feel confident and self-assured. A white smile can enhance your confidence in both social and professional settings.

Sign of Good Health: A white, healthy smile is usually associated with proper oral hygiene and overall health. By maintaining a white smile, you project an image of being well-cared-for and healthy.

Whether you’re aiming to boost your confidence or simply improve your appearance, teeth whitening is a simple and effective treatment. Here are some of the modern technologies used by top teeth whitening clinics in Ireland such as The White House.

 

  1. Laser Teeth Whitening

 

Laser teeth whitening, also known as power bleaching, is a highly effective and non-invasive technique that combines a whitening gel with bleaching agents like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, activated by laser light. This technology is renowned for its ability to remove stains and whiten teeth swiftly, often delivering dramatic results in a single session.

The procedure begins with the application of a whitening gel to the teeth. This gel contains powerful bleaching agents that are activated by laser light, which enhances their effectiveness in breaking down stains and discolouration on the teeth. The laser light speeds up the whitening process, making it one of the fastest and most efficient methods available.

 

  1. LED Light-Activated Whitening

 

LED-accelerated whitening technology is a more advanced version of laser teeth whitening. Instead of lasers, this procedure uses LED light to activate the whitening gel. The benefit of using LED light over lasers is that it generates less heat and is less intense than laser whitening, making it suitable for individuals with sensitive teeth.

 

  1. Advanced Tooth Whitening Toothpaste

 

Another effective over-the-counter teeth whitening solution recommended by dentists is nanoparticle-infused toothpaste. Often prescribed to complement professional dental treatments, these advanced toothpastes offer several benefits due to their innovative use of nanoparticles. They help prevent dental decay by increasing the teeth’s ability to fight cavities and aid in their remineralisation.

For whitening purposes, common agents include charcoal, carbon nanotubes, HA, and TiO2. These nanoparticles help patients maintain the whiter teeth for much longer once the specialised procedures have been completed. Additionally, they close micropores, reduce hypersensitivity, have antibacterial properties, and, importantly, brighten teeth and enhance their appearance. This allows patients to maintain their newly improved aesthetics for longer periods.

 

  1. Teeth Whitening Trays

 

Teeth whitening trays are a dentist-supervised solution designed for home use. This process begins with the dentist taking a dental impression of the patient’s teeth to create a custom mouth tray. The custom-fit tray ensures maximum contact between the gel and the teeth while minimising spillage onto the gums, thus reducing the risk of potential side effects.

Once the whitening gel is applied to the tray, the dentist provides detailed instructions on its usage. Patients may be advised to wear the tray for 30 minutes daily or for longer periods, depending on their specific needs. The treatment duration varies; some individuals might see results in 30 days, while others may require more time. The length of the treatment depends on the patient’s whitening goals and overall dental health.

 

  1. Combined In-Office and At-Home Treatments

 

Some clinics provide a combination of in-office and at-home whitening treatments for optimal results. The in-office treatment gives an immediate boost, while the at-home teeth whitening kits help maintain the whitening effect over time. Dentists will often recommend at-home teeth-whitening solutions to complement their in-office treatments. Some of the most effective at-home options include whitening pens, strips, gels, and rinses.

These over-the-counter products typically contain a formula of nanoparticles, advanced abrasives, and/or hydrogen peroxide. The combination of these ingredients effectively targets stains without causing damage to your teeth. These products are essential for maintaining and enhancing your teeth’s whiteness, allowing you to continue the whitening process conveniently at home without the need for specialised tools and techniques.

Choosing the Right Clinic and Technology

When selecting a teeth whitening clinic in Ireland, consider the following factors:

Professional Credentials: Ensure the clinic has qualified dental professionals with experience in teeth whitening.

Patient Reviews: Look for reviews and testimonials from previous patients to gauge the clinic’s reputation.

Technology and Equipment: Choose clinics that use the latest technology for the best results.

Aftercare and Support: Opt for clinics that offer comprehensive aftercare advice to maintain your new smile.

Modern teeth whitening technologies offer a range of options to achieve a brighter smile. From laser and LED light-activated treatments to custom tray-based systems, there is a solution for every need and preference. It’s important to understand how each of these technologies works so that you’re better informed when making a choice. Remember to always consult with a dental professional to determine the best teeth whitening method for your specific need

Tech Review – Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2

The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 is probably the last pair of earbuds from the brand according to some new seen on the internet how true that is remains to be seen and for me hopefully not but perhaps dipping in a new area such as air conduction or bone conduction type earphones..

People may struggle to tell the difference between these and the previous generation and they would be right as this time around all the new upgrades or on the inside including the case for spatial audio when you connect another device to it, there is new colours too and overall better looking than the typical Black offering we tend to see much of these days.

When it comes to the fit there is no issues here at all and you get extra tips in the box as you can see in the unboxing of both new variants here.

The earbuds have a nice texture and look to them giving them a more premium look and so is the soft touch case, the case size is average for me and looks well although the colour I have is more difficult to keep clean for some reason however a wipe with a damp cloth brings it back to new.

The Jabra Sound Plus app is of course present here loaded with features as expected and again we see Dolby head tracking on board along with all the other features we have covered multiple times but we take a look in the video review below.

The speakers by some may be considered small but the other tech packed in here is up at the top with a new hear through better spatial sound and head tracking not only this there is better ANC  which is subjective and how you use your earbuds the EQs and volumes etc.

For me overall there is an improvement acrross the board with the Gen 2 and did not disappoint me at all and within the app alongside playing with the EQs there is much to like here and asked if they are worth the upgrade I would say yes however this is subjective but from using the last model I can tell a clear difference for the most.

Highs lows and mids all fine super bass, this was one big improvement great hear through and a great audio experience all round indoors and outdoors, calls excellent to and a slight improvement over background noise, again this differs from indoors and outdoor use but the calls overall pretty good and clear both ends.

There is multi pairing again and like me if you use two products everyday it is a seamless effort here to get things done the buttons work well and do not apply any pressure on the ears like some can and all the commands worked well each time which is plenty, everything is hear from volume control skip and reverse tracks play and pause, voice assistant and sound modes.

Control options

Overall if you are in the market for new top end earbuds these should be on your list and taking into account they could be the last time to get earbuds from Jabra and if you have been a fan of other brands and not made the switch to test out what Jabra have to offer this is your final chance to see what you have been missing.

 

The App

Jabra sound plus app – techbuzzireland

 

Key features of the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2: 

  • LE Audio smart case for streaming spatial sound from home TV’s & more  
  • Improved Spatial Sound with Dolby Head Tracking & a more immersive Dolby Atmos experience  
  • Improved Jabra Advanced Active Noise Cancellation. Up to 2x stronger than Elite 10 previous generation  
  • Improved 6-mic call technology with effective noise-reduction algorithms 
  • New Natural HearThrough with enhanced wind-noise detection. Twice as effective as Elite 10 previous generation 
  • Rich bass from powerful 10mm speakers  
  • Semi-open design with Jabra ComfortFit technology for all-day comfort 
  • 6-hour battery (27 hours with case) with ANC on 
  • IP57-rating 
  • Bluetooth Multipoint connection 

Jabra Elite 10 review

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Video Review

What to do If Your Ice Machine Stops Working

An ice machine is an equipment with which you can make ice. This technique is most often used in bars, cafes, and restaurants, hotels and hostels. However, household appliances can also help you create soft drinks at home. If the cooling equipment has stopped working correctly, check here ice machines repair. Professional repairs will restore the cooling device’s functionality and extend its service life.

Popular Ice Machine Breakdowns

You should wait if you turn on the device but do not receive ice. Any cooling equipment needs time to work. If the device works for a long time but has no ice, it is worth checking the water level. If there is no supply from the drain or the reservoir is complete, the device cannot create the required amount of ice.

 

Among the widespread breakdowns of the cooling device are:

 

  • ice machine does not freeze ice;
  • equipment heats up quickly;
  • the device does not completely freeze ice;
  • the appearance of unnecessary sounds during operation.

 

If the indicators show that the generator is working but not creating ice, it is worth checking the thermostat. An insufficiently high-pressure level may also be causing the breakdown.

The motor is likely overheating if the ice machine gets very hot during operation. In this case, a complete diagnosis is necessary to accurately determine the cause of the breakdown and correct it as quickly as possible.

Sometimes, the equipment freezes only the top layer of ice, while water remains inside. The reason for this may be insufficient freon levels or clogged pipes.

Due to improper installation, the ice machine may generate a lot of noise during operation. This problem can also occur due to heavy load, overheating, or other issues.

Why You should Call for Professional Ice Machine Repair

Fixing an ice machine yourself is much more complicated than it seems. First, you must carry out detailed diagnostics to accurately understand the malfunction’s cause. It is almost impossible to do this on your own. At a minimum, you must determine if the issue is in a specific part. And you will damage the equipment even more, which will lead to additional waste.

Doing repairs yourself can cause further damage to your ice machine. Professional craftsmen have all the necessary equipment to help you quickly replace the part. Our specialists have been repairing cooling equipment for over 16 years, allowing us to carry out high-quality repair work quickly.

The third reason you should call a specialist is that you will receive a repair guarantee. To fix a breakdown, use high-quality parts from trusted suppliers. If the problem appears again after a while, just call the technician, and he will fix everything at his own expense.

By choosing professional refrigeration equipment repair, you can be sure that your ice maker is working properly. This allows you to avoid difficulties in the operation of cafes and restaurants and be confident in the quality of the ice.

Preventative Maintenance of the Ice Machine: Something that will Extend the Life of the Equipment

It is worth carrying out a preventive inspection for cooling devices to work for a long time. It will help keep the equipment working, and you will get perfect ice. Therefore, it is worth carrying out a full inspection and prevention once every six months.

Timely replacement of refrigerant, cleaning pipes, and checking the operation of the compressor and other parts takes little time. At the same time, you will not worry about the ice machine not being able to cope with the load or not working as it should.

By turning to professionals, you can safely enjoy cool drinks in the summer heat and create the right conditions for storing food. Timely prevention will allow you to maintain a high level of device performance and help avoid costly repairs in the future.

Belfast cybersecurity firm ANGOKA bound for space

Belfast-based cyber security firm ANGOKA has been accepted to the Airbus Space Accelerator programme. The accelerator is described by Airbus as “an exciting opportunity not only for existing space companies, but for any business with the desire and potential to work in space”.

Speaking at an event at Farnborough International Airshow, ANGOKA director Yuri Andersson said this is a chance for ANGOKA “to deepen its ties with the space industry, helping us to develop the next generation of cybersecurity solutions.”

Airbus says the accelerator is part of the wider Community for Space Prosperity (CUSP) initiative to develop the UK’s space ecosystem, where the 14-week programme will help startups, academics and non-traditional space businesses to advance their technical offering, understand the commercial space landscape and build connections within the wider space industry.

Airbus is running the accelerator with Plexal, the London-based innovation boutique which collaborates on technology with government, startups and industry.

Mr Andersson says there is rapid growing convergence between terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication networks for improved coverage and bandwidth.

“A new space economy is being built where in the near future there will be in-space infrastructure such as in-space assembly and manufacturing, orbital data centres and human habitats,” he added.

“Much of the data will be kept in space and processed in space, and to support the communications needs of the future space economy we need new solutions for cybersecurity and digital infrastructure. With emerging cyber threats from quantum computers and AI, traditional approaches such as those based on PKI [Public Key Infrastructure], or Distributed Ledgers are no longer adequate, and this requires a complete paradigm shift.” says Mr Andersson.

ANGOKA has also been selected to the Mandala Space Ventures and the Venture into Space programmes supported by UK Space Agency.

Gemini’s big upgrade: Faster responses with 1.5 Flash, expanded access and more

With today’s update, Gemini is getting better at helping you accomplish those tasks in ways that work best for you.

You can now access 1.5 Flash in the unpaid version of Gemini for faster and more helpful responses. Plus, a new feature to further address hallucinations, and expanding the Gemini for Teens experience and mobile app to more places.

See more below

Faster, smarter responses with 1.5 Flash

We’ve heard that one of the main reasons people enjoy using Gemini is because it saves time. Whether you’re using Gemini to write a compelling email or debug tricky code, it’s important to get fast, high-quality responses.

Today we’re upgrading our free-tier experience to Gemini 1.5 Flash for quicker and more helpful responses. With Gemini 1.5 Flash, you’ll notice across-the-board improvements in quality and latency, with especially noticeable improvements in reasoning and image understanding. And just like we greatly expanded the context window of Gemini Advanced, we’re quadrupling Gemini’s to 32K tokens. That means you can have longer back-and-forth conversations and ask Gemini more complex questions — all free of charge.

To get the most out of the larger context window, we’ll soon add the ability to upload files via Google Drive or directly from your device, which has been available in Gemini Advanced. That means you’ll be able to do things like upload your economics study guide and ask Gemini to create practice questions. Gemini will also soon be able to analyze data files for you, allowing you to uncover insights and visualize them through charts and graphics.

 

Gemini 1.5 Flash is now available to all Gemini users on both web and mobile, in 40 languages and over 230 countries and territories.

Related content within Gemini’s responses

We’ve also heard that people enjoy exploring new topics with Gemini as their go-to research partner. So we’re now displaying links to related content for fact-seeking prompts in Gemini – continuing our work to reduce hallucinations and making it easier to explore websites that help you learn more.

Starting today for English language prompts in certain countries, you can access this additional information on topics directly within Gemini’s responses. Just click on the chip at the end of a paragraph to see websites where you can dive deeper on a certain topic. This isn’t limited to websites: If Gemini’s response references information found using the Gmail extension, you’ll also see inline links to relevant emails.

This also builds on our work to combat hallucinations. In addition to related content links, Gemini’s double-check feature verifies responses by using Google Search to highlight which statements are corroborated or contradicted on the web. For information that is contradicted, you can easily dive deeper to verify the information yourself.

 

 

Gemini features in more places

Earlier this year, we introduced the ability to chat with Gemini directly in Google Messages on select Android devices. Starting today, we’re gradually rolling out Gemini in Google Messages to the European Economic Area (EEA), UK and Switzerland, with the ability to chat in newly added languages like French, Polish and Spanish. Click the “Start chat” button in Messages and select Gemini to start brainstorming ideas, plan trips and more — all without leaving the Google Messages app.

We’re also rolling out the Gemini mobile app to more countries, so more people around the world can get help from Gemini on the go.

Expanded access to Gemini for teens

In the coming week, we’ll expand Gemini access to teenagers globally, in over 40 languages. Teens who meet the minimum age requirement to manage their own Google Account will be able to access Gemini to do things like better understand school subjects, prepare for university or get help with creative projects.

We want to create opportunities for teens to benefit from all generative AI has to offer and prepare them for a future where AI will play an even more central role — all while prioritizing safety and meeting their developmental needs. To help them navigate Gemini confidently and safely, we’ve put additional policies and safeguards in place, introduced a teen-specific onboarding process, and included an AI literacy guide to help teens use AI responsibly. We’ve also partnered with child safety and development experts, including MediaSmarts (CA), Miudos Seguros na Net (PT), and Fad Juventud (ES), who continue to provide expertise on meeting the unique needs of teens and families.

How we responsibly design Gemini

Gemini’s development has always been guided by a commitment to responsibility and user safety. As it continues to evolve, we’re sharing more about how we design Gemini and intend for it to respond. You can now read about our approach to Gemini, plus more details about our policy guidelines to better understand how we’re navigating complex and sensitive topics, including responses to topics related to public interest issues, and political, religious or moral beliefs. These guidelines, grounded in our AI Principles, reflect our ongoing commitment to developing this technology responsibly and transparently.

Look out for more Gemini news coming at Made by Google. In the meantime, start chatting with Gemini today to try out these updates.

Pioneer DJ launches ‘deckades’ a limited-edition fanzine to mark 30 years of the first-ever CDJ

Pioneer DJ, an AlphaTheta brand, the world’s leading brand for professional DJ equipment, launches its very own, limited-edition fanzine – named ‘deckades’ – to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first-ever CDJ. Released in 1994, the world’s first CDJ – the CDJ-500 – went onto influence DJ and club culture as we know it, and led to the creation of Pioneer DJ.

Available both digitally and in print, the ‘zine takes fans through iconic moments from the last 30 years of the CDJ. Showcasing the CDJ’s unique history and evolution, ‘deckades’ takes fans back to the beginning when the CDJ-500 was born and why it was created, while exploring how the world’s best DJs honed their craft transitioning from vinyl to CDJs – and how this impacted club culture. Now available, fans will be able to visit blog.pioneerdj.com to claim a free print copy and start enjoying Pioneer DJ’s musical legacy since 1994 or the digital version can be read here.

Split into three decades: 1994-2004, 2004-2014 and 2014-2024, the 42-page ‘zine’ explores the history and evolution of the CDJ recalling how it was born – all from the advancement in technology within in-car audio. It was the anti-skip technology which created the possibility to create a new device that allowed for new ways to rock a party and the ability to mix with CDs – which was radical in itself. This saw the club experience evolve whereby instead of mixing with vinyl in loud and vibrating clubs that made it difficult with a moving needle, now mixing and playing records became more accessible and easier. This new device allowed for scratching, making loops on the fly, executing drum rolls with the Cue button, speed tracks up or slow them down – this was a revelation for the modern DJ and influenced how DJing would evolve. It led to the birth of digital DJing.

‘deckades’ opens with a visual timeline of the CDJ, from the CDJ-500 through to the latest model – the CDJ-3000, spanning 23 models over 30 years. It features exclusive and never-released interviews with world-leading DJs such as Fatboy Slim, Fabio from Fabio & Grooverider, Anna Tur, Kikelomo and TSHA. Each recalls their introduction of the CDJ, how it was initially received, how it influenced their DJing style and what it meant for DJing, with anecdotal stories remembered. For example, Fatboy Slim recalls the first time he came across CDJs in a set: “The turning point was a night where I was playing on a lorry at Carnival in Salvador, Brazil for five hours back to back with David Guetta. He was whupping my ass because his CDJs were louder and didn’t jump every time we went over a pothole…He absolutely blew me off stage that night and it hurt!”

While jungle and Drum ‘n’ Bass innovator, Fabio (from Fabio & Grooverider) tells how the CDJ changed the game for him and a whole generation, “…they’ve advanced so much even in the past five, six years. It’s incredible what you can do now. Now you can be a showman. And you couldn’t do that before, because you really had to concentrate on vinyl. Now, you know what you’re doing, you got all your cue points, everything organised and ready to go—that’s a revelation, basically.”

As well as exclusive DJ interviews, ‘deckades’ takes a deep dive into how the technology evolved, making Pioneer’s CDJs the best in the business and as Fabio says the ‘standard procedure’ for DJs to use. Gearheads can also enjoy new interviews from the designers and engineers behind the CDJs. Within the ‘zine, ‘meet the maker’ sections are integrated throughout which includes a rare interview with the creator of the CDJ-500 – Kou Atsumi. Early concept designs and drawings are featured which provides a nostalgic look at the world’s first-ever CDJ. Other interviews include Naoto Takase and Yoshinori Kataoka – the creative force behind the CDJ-2000 and CDJ-3000.

As the ‘zine expands into the 2004-2014 decade, stories are remembered around how digital technology was fundamentally changing the way people DJ’d. The ability to DJ off a USB stick was introduced in 2007 with the CDJ-400 which brought about a progressive change. Fabio talks about a ‘sliding doors’ moment where he was stunned to see Pete Tong turn up to a club in Brazil he was DJing at with nothing but headphones and a USB stick, which didn’t seem real to him. ‘deckades’ then recounts in the last ten years how, evolving digital technology, and how DJing evolved from the clubs to the bedroom, creating new opportunities for more people to get into DJing and the sense of community it creates.

Mark Grotefeld, AlphaTheta EMEA General Manager, said: “It’s always been part of our mission to bring innovative music experiences through our products and this won’t change with our AlphaTheta and Pioneer DJ brands. The fanzine charts the evolution of such an important instrument which was a game changer for DJing and club culture. The CDJs have become a mainstay in clubs all over the world and the planet’s best DJs have been influenced by this technology. I expect DJ technology to continue evolving down an AI-software-driven path as well as VR and AR experiences becoming more widely available. But we’ll remain focused on ensuring it empowers DJs to deliver the human experiences we’ll always crave.”

The brand new fanzine is now available for free, with only 1,000 print copies up for grabs or alternatively, the digital version can be enjoyed here. To find out more on claiming a print copy, head to blog.pioneerdj.com or register here.

See our Pioneer DJ headphone reviews 

Dell Technologies and Red Hat join forces to address AI complexity

Dell Technologies and Red Hat today announced a significant advancement in the Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Red Hat OpenShift, designed to streamline and accelerate the deployment of AI solutions. This enhanced platform delivers a fully integrated, automated infrastructure optimised for Red Hat OpenShift AI, setting a new standard in how organisations handle AI complexities.

In a rapidly evolving AI landscape, the Dell APEX Cloud Platform now supports an expanded range of GPUs, including the new NVIDIA L40S, to cater to the most demanding AI applications. The platform also introduces support for both Dell PowerFlex and Dell ObjectScale storage solutions, ensuring robust, scalable, and cost-effective management of massive datasets and AI workloads.

Key Enhancements Include:

  • NVIDIA L40S GPU Integration: The Dell APEX Cloud Platform now supports the NVIDIA L40S GPU, providing advanced computational power essential for handling the most demanding AI applications. This addition offers increased flexibility, allowing organisations to customise their infrastructure according to their specific AI needs, whether for high-performance computing or complex AI models.
  • Dell ObjectScale Storage: In addition to Dell PowerFlex storage, the platform now includes Dell ObjectScale storage, enhancing scalability and cost-effectiveness for managing vast amounts of data. ObjectScale is critical for efficiently handling AI workloads that involve large language models and extensive datasets, ensuring reliable and scalable data management.
  • Hosted Control Planes for Red Hat OpenShift: The APEX Cloud Platform now supports hosted control planes, which streamline cluster management and reduce associated costs. This feature optimizes deployment times, separates management and workload concerns, and allows organisations to concentrate on their applications rather than infrastructure management.
  • Updated Design for Digital Assistants: The Validated Design for deploying digital assistants has been upgraded from a 7B parameter model to a more robust 13B model. This design uses the retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) framework to augment large language models (LLMs) with company-specific data, enabling rapid adaptation and training with relevant information.
  • NVIDIA Riva Integration: The new solution incorporates NVIDIA Riva, a microservice designed for building GPU-accelerated speech AI applications. This integration facilitates automated speech recognition (ASR) and text-to-speech (TTS) capabilities, streamlining the deployment of natural language processing (NLP) solutions and opening new possibilities for AI-driven communication tools.

The updated validated design now includes a 13B parameter model for digital assistants utilising a large language model (LLM) with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) framework, enabling businesses to rapidly adapt LLMs with domain-specific data. The new AI solution also features automated speech recognition (ASR) and text-to-speech (TTS) capabilities, powered by NVIDIA Riva.

Speaking on Dell’s collaboration with Red Hat, Caitlin Gordon, Vice President, Multicloud Product Management at Dell Technologies said: “In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), seizing opportunities amidst complexity is paramount. Collaboratively engineered with Red Hat, the Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Red Hat OpenShift offers a streamlined and automated turnkey solution that transforms how organizations run Red Hat OpenShift on-premises.”

Stefanie Chiras, senior vice president, Partner Ecosystem Success, Red Hat said, “The rise of AI has led customers to seek out hybrid cloud infrastructure that accelerates AI application development and delivers faster time to value. Innovation is at the heart of our continued collaboration with Dell and the updates announced today showcase why Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Red Hat OpenShift can empower organisations with a more consistent, reliable integrated, and automated platform for running Red Hat OpenShift AI on-premises.”