Author: Jim O Brien/CEO

CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.

Tech Review – Skullcandy Rail earbuds non ANC

The latest earbuds have dropped from Skullcandy and once again well priced and great earbuds, the latest on offer is the all new RAIL and SMOKIN BUDS  and first up we check out the RAIL which are the non ANC version and having said that they have NO ANC does it matter, in short no because once these are tuned up to the max you cant hear what is going on outside anyway. Trust me, these are loud and how I like it

The design is familiar with small stems however we can see inside these at the top which is cool, and being able to see inside our tech is now becoming a bit of a trend these days and perhaps later down the road Skullcandy might give us a totally transparent pair and that would be extra cool if they did but for now we have these to poke our eyes into for now.

Comfort and fit is also fine here and sit well in the ears and look clean and will not budge and after wearing them for some time now out cycling and in the gym they have now budged and stay well put as they say, the right tips though is the key here and once applied they block out much of the outside world which is fine.

Controls work well as expected from the company and always have been consistent with their products we go through all these in the video review below so do check it out and the app which is up next. We once again have access to their fantastic app that allows you to change commands and more by just calling out “Hey Skulklcandy” – insert command here..  And as reviewed before this is an excellent feature and we have covered it in depth before but go over it again for newcomers to the channel and anyone looking for something new, it is a superb feature and you can even take photos by using this app which is Skull IQ.

The app is full of features as you would expect and you can change the controls to suit your needs, the you are best off doing the sound test to get the most out of your earbuds and using personal sound by Mimi and once complete you can later do it again if you wish over time on your profile.

As mentioned you can change the buttons features you have sound aware you have multipoint pairing and EQs built in and you can create your own, the volume is loud crisp and clear and calls also excellent too, when it comes to the audio though is where it is at nice bass highs lows and mids no lag latency no distortion when maxed out either and this is where many earbuds fail when turned up the max in some genres, You have spotify on tap however I you use YouTube music.

Overall these are a super pair of earbuds but have NO ANC so one can only imagine what they are like, with all the features packed in here and decent battery life and the price these come in at they are certainly earbuds to put on your list to check out.Check out the video review for more on the latest from Skullcandy.

 

Skullcandy Rail earbuds NON ANC – techbuzzireland

 

The App

 

 

Features

42 Hours Total Battery + Rapid Charge
IP55 Sweat, Water and Dust Resistant
Skull-iQ Smart Feature Technology®
Personal Sound by Mimi®
Multipoint Pairing
Built-In Tile™ Finding Technology
Hands-Free Voice Control
Clear Voice Smart Mic
Adjustable Stay-Aware Mode
Sidetone
Spotify Tap™
Skull-iQ App Compatibility
Preset and Custom EQ Modes (Music, Bass Boost and Podcast)
Call, Track & Media Controls

Custom Button Functions
Use Either Bud Solo
Auto On/Connect
Bluetooth 5.2

BUY

Video review

The Decentralization-Energy Trade-off in Bitcoin Mining.

Bitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency, has reshaped the financial landscape with its decentralized nature. Yet, its energy-intensive mining practices raise critical environmental concerns, leading to debates on striking a balance between decentralization and sustainability. While the article explores the complexities of Bitcoin mining, platforms like Profit Revolution offer a gateway to the broader cryptocurrency trading world.

Energy Consumption in Bitcoin Mining

Bitcoin, since its inception, has presented a revolutionary approach to financial transactions, offering a decentralized and peer-to-peer system. However, one of the critical concerns surrounding this digital currency is the sheer amount of energy that its underlying mechanism, mining, consumes.

To understand the scale of Bitcoin mining’s energy consumption, one must first grasp the mechanics behind it. Mining is essentially the process of validating transactions and adding them to the Bitcoin blockchain. This process requires solving complex mathematical puzzles, a task which demands significant computational power. 

Comparatively speaking, Bitcoin’s energy consumption is staggering. Recent studies have indicated that if Bitcoin were a country, its energy consumption would rival that of established nations, positioning it among the world’s top energy consumers. Such comparisons have raised alarms, especially given the growing focus on sustainable practices and environmental concerns in today’s world.

The reason behind this vast energy consumption lies in the ever-increasing difficulty of the mathematical challenges posed to miners. As more miners join the network and as the total computational power of the Bitcoin network rises, the system automatically adjusts the difficulty of the puzzles to ensure that blocks are added to the blockchain roughly every ten minutes. 

However, it’s essential to note that not all Bitcoin mining operations are the same. While some leverage fossil fuels, contributing significantly to carbon emissions, others have tapped into renewable energy sources in an attempt to reduce the environmental impact. 

The Decentralization-Energy Dilemma

Bitcoin’s inception as a decentralized cryptocurrency was envisioned as a means to shift power from traditional financial systems and centralized institutions back to the hands of individuals. The core principle of decentralization ensures that no single entity can exert undue influence over the network, providing users with a sense of trust and security. 

The underlying mechanism that supports Bitcoin’s decentralized nature is its Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus algorithm. Through PoW, miners use computational power to solve intricate mathematical puzzles, validating transactions and adding them to the blockchain. This process ensures that Bitcoin’s ledger remains immutable and free from malicious alterations. 

However, there’s an environmental price to pay. The energy expended by thousands of miners worldwide, all competing to solve these puzzles, is enormous. 

The challenge then becomes: how do we maintain the integrity and decentralization of the Bitcoin network without plunging deeper into environmental repercussions? Balancing the scale of decentralization against its environmental impact isn’t straightforward. As the Bitcoin network grows and more participants join, the need for energy also swells. At the same time, reducing the number of miners to save on energy might compromise the network’s decentralized nature, making it more susceptible to attacks and manipulations.

The crux of the matter is that the very mechanism that ensures Bitcoin’s trustworthiness and decentralization also amplifies its environmental footprint. The crypto community and stakeholders are grappling with this conundrum, searching for solutions that can strike a harmonious balance between the ideological roots of Bitcoin and the pressing demands of sustainability in the modern age.

Possible Solutions and Alternatives

The challenges surrounding Bitcoin’s energy consumption and its commitment to decentralization have given rise to a fervent search for solutions. Acknowledging the concerns, many in the cryptocurrency community and beyond are exploring avenues to maintain the decentralized ethos of Bitcoin while addressing its significant environmental footprint.

One of the most discussed alternatives is the transition from the energy-intensive Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism to Proof-of-Stake (PoS). PoS operates on a fundamentally different premise. Instead of relying on vast amounts of computational power to validate transactions and add blocks to the blockchain, PoS allows users to “stake” their cryptocurrency as collateral to participate in the validation process. 

Layer-2 solutions have also emerged as promising alternatives. These solutions operate “off-chain,” meaning they handle transactions outside the main blockchain, only settling the final balances on-chain. By reducing the number of transactions that need direct blockchain validation, these solutions can significantly cut down the energy consumed by the mining process. 

Additionally, the source of energy for Bitcoin mining itself is coming under scrutiny. There’s a growing emphasis on tapping into renewable energy sources to power mining operations. By harnessing solar, wind, or hydropower, Bitcoin miners can mitigate the environmental impact of their activities. 

Conclusion

While Bitcoin’s energy consumption poses challenges, the cryptocurrency community’s innovative solutions and shifts toward sustainability offer hope. The road ahead will likely see a fusion of decentralization ideals with environmental responsibility.

 

Paradyn backs up critical data for Donegal County Council

Paradyn, one of Ireland’s leading cybersecurity service providers, is today announcing that it is backing up critical data for Donegal County Council with Vault365, an all-in-one backup, ransomware, and data protection solution.

Donegal County Council needed to effectively back up and secure its Microsoft Office365 data to ensure compliance and eliminate the setup and maintenance of its own hardware, storage, and infrastructure. Paradyn deployed the Vault365 solution which runs in the cloud and backs up information to its own highly secure off-site data centre. The remotely stored data is immutable and cannot be compromised by potential cyberattacks on the organisation’s estate.

Paradyn’s solution is protecting sensitive information for Donegal’s 166,000 citizens. It’s also enhancing the user experience for those who engage with the council’s vital services as public information is backed up, reliable, and up-to-date.

Ongoing monitoring and management by Paradyn of the Office365 estate gives peace of mind to Donegal County Council that its critical assets are protected. The council also has access to a self-service portal, meaning it has full control and visibility of the solution. The solution is flexible and scalable in line with organisational growth in the future.

Paradyn is securely backing up 900 Microsoft Office365 accounts for the council across applications including Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive. As Microsoft only stores data for up to 90 days, the Vault365 solution ensures business continuity and is increasing employee productivity as data can be quickly recovered in the event of an incident. The new solution is based on a cost per user model, which is resulting in significant cost savings for the council.

Sean Dunnion, Project Leader Information Systems at Donegal County Council, said: “With Paradyn’s extensive expertise securing organisations in the public sector and local government, they were the natural fit to support on this next phase of our journey. This Vault365 solution has futureproofed our data protection and backup capabilities, and provides peace of mind that sensitive information is secure.

“Crucially, it’s helping to enhance the services we provide to citizens throughout Donegal as the solution gives us full control of our Office365 estate, while ensuring minimal downtime should an incident occur. Ultimately, the technology is built with growth in mind and will enable us to scale as needed.”

Fergal Meehan, Chief Commercial Officer, Paradyn, said: “It’s a common misconception that Microsoft backs up customer data, which is why it’s essential for organisations to proactively protect their critical information. Vault365 eliminates the risk of losing access and control over this data, underpinned by the expert knowledge of our experienced specialists. Hackers will typically target on-site backups and having critical data stored securely in an off-site location provides an extra layer of protection.

“The council deals with citizens’ sensitive information and provides crucial public services to the people of Donegal, and this solution enables the council to meet these needs now and into the future.

Key Catalyst Propelling Bitcoin’s 2023 Peak

Bitcoin’s remarkable ascent in 2023 can be traced to various intertwined factors. From economic shifts and technological advancements to societal and cultural changes, the cryptocurrency’s journey reflects our evolving global landscape. While various factors have contributed to Bitcoin’s peak in 2023, platforms like Bitcoin Bot App offer traders advanced tools for online trading.

Economic Factors Driving Bitcoin’s Surge

Bitcoin’s ascendancy in 2023 has been largely attributed to a myriad of economic factors that have converged to bolster its appeal. One of the most pressing concerns driving individuals towards cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin has been the global financial instabilities observed in various parts of the world. As countries grapple with economic downturns, many are searching for alternative assets that offer a refuge from traditional financial systems. 

Another crucial factor that can’t be understated is the role of central banks and their policies. With rampant quantitative easing seen in multiple economies, there’s a growing apprehension about potential inflation and the devaluation of fiat currencies. Bitcoin, with its capped supply, presents itself as a deflationary asset, a quality that’s particularly appealing for those concerned about the erosion of their wealth due to inflation.

Moreover, the year 2023 has marked a significant shift in the stance of traditional institutional investors towards Bitcoin. These institutions, which once viewed cryptocurrencies with skepticism, have begun to see Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class. The narrative of Bitcoin as a “digital gold” has gained traction, not just among individual investors but also among hedge funds, asset managers, and other financial institutions. 

The surge in Bitcoin’s popularity and value in 2023 can be traced back to a combination of global financial uncertainties, central banking policies, and a paradigm shift in how institutional investors perceive the leading cryptocurrency. As these economic factors intertwine, they form a potent catalyst propelling Bitcoin to its remarkable peaks.

Technological Catalysts

The early days of Bitcoin were fraught with concerns about its scalability. Transactions were slow, and as adoption grew, the network often became congested, leading to higher transaction fees. The introduction and adoption of the Lightning Network emerged as a game-changer in this scenario. This off-chain solution allowed for faster and more efficient Bitcoin transactions, facilitating micro-transactions and significantly reducing fees. By ensuring that Bitcoin could scale to meet increasing demand without compromising on its decentralized ethos, the Lightning Network played an instrumental role in making the cryptocurrency more usable for daily transactions and small-scale transfers.

Parallel to scalability solutions, there have been significant strides in ensuring the cryptographic security of the Bitcoin network. Bitcoin’s security rests on the robustness of SHA-256, a cryptographic hash function that has so far proven resilient. However, with the looming advent of quantum computing and its potential to disrupt traditional cryptographic methods, there’s been a push to fortify Bitcoin against these future threats. Innovations and research in this area have bolstered confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term security profile, assuaging fears of potential vulnerabilities.

In essence, the technological catalysts underpinning Bitcoin’s 2023 ascent can be seen as a blend of innovative solutions to its inherent challenges and proactive measures to secure its future. By addressing both current and anticipated issues, the Bitcoin community and developers have showcased a commitment to evolution and adaptability, vital attributes for any technology aiming for longevity and widespread adoption.

Societal and Cultural Shifts

As Bitcoin’s trajectory soared in 2023, it wasn’t just the economic or technological drivers at play. An equally significant force was the evolving societal and cultural perception surrounding cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin. Over the past few years, mainstream acceptance of Bitcoin has grown exponentially. It is no longer confined to the niches of the tech-savvy or financial speculators. 

Another manifestation of Bitcoin’s growing cultural imprint is its increasing visibility in the realm of pop culture. Celebrities, influencers, and renowned personalities have openly endorsed or shown interest in Bitcoin, further elevating its status in the public eye. Their influence, combined with an increasing number of TV shows, movies, and music referencing Bitcoin, has contributed to a more significant societal acknowledgment and intrigue.

However, beyond the confines of the western world and developed nations, Bitcoin has been making waves in a different manner. In emerging markets, Bitcoin has become a beacon of financial inclusion. In countries like Venezuela and Nigeria, where local currencies have faced severe devaluation or where access to traditional banking is limited, Bitcoin has provided an alternative financial avenue. For many in these regions, Bitcoin isn’t just an investment; it’s a means to navigate economic hardships, send remittances, and preserve wealth.

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s 2023 peak is a culmination of economic, technological, and cultural synergies. As the world grapples with these multifaceted influences, Bitcoin’s prominence underscores a transformative phase in our financial narrative.

EY Northern Ireland to create 1,000 new jobs in the region over the next five years

Professional Services firm EY today announced the creation of 1,000 new jobs in Northern Ireland over the next five years in a move that will bring the total EY headcount to 1,900 in the region. To support this growth EY will establish a hub in the North West to attract talent from across the region.

This announcement by EY, a global leader in assurance, tax, consulting as well as strategy and corporate transactions, is supported by Invest Northern Ireland and the Department for the Economy.

The roles will be filled by a mix of experienced candidates, recent graduates and school leavers in areas such as cyber security, data analytics, cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies, risk, tax, audit and as well as business consultancy.

As part of today’s announcement, EY Northern Ireland is committing to work with the Department for the Economy to operate an Assured Skills Academy Programme that will deliver a strong pipeline of new talent for EY in specific areas such as cyber security, data analytics, among others. The Assured Skills Academy Programme will focus on individuals such as those seeking to return to work following a career break, those wishing to change career, or recent graduates looking for an alternative route into professional services.

Announcing the investment at the Northern Ireland Investment Summit in Belfast today, Rob Heron, EY Northern Ireland Managing Partner, said: “Today is an exceptionally proud day for all of us in EY Northern Ireland as we announce a thousand new jobs in the region over the next five years and aim to more than double our headcount to 1,900 in the years ahead.

“Thanks to our partnership with the Department for the Economy and Invest Northern Ireland, we have been able to create this pipeline of jobs and skills development opportunities that we are announcing today.  Whether you are a college graduate, someone looking to advance or change your career, or you are ready to re-enter the workforce following a career break, EY’s Assured Skills Academy Programme will offer you an opportunity to acquire new skills and to join a world class team here in EY Northern Ireland.

“Our firm has been experiencing increased demand across all our business areas in recent years as clients turn to us in growing numbers to help them with their most complex and strategic problems. That is why we are so focused on ensuring that we continue to have the right access to great talent in the region across a diverse range of skillsets and specialisms. Our EY core values of diversity, social equity, and inclusiveness will be at the heart of these new employment opportunities and that is something we are incredibly proud of. “

Frank O’Keeffe, EY UK & Ireland Managing Partner, Markets and Managing Partner EY Ireland: “In EY we are passionate about supporting our clients by investing heavily in our highly skilled and diverse workforce and that is why days like today are so special for us.  EY has built an incredible business in Northern Ireland over decades, proudly providing a superb service to a broad range of clients across the island of Ireland, the United Kingdom and our global network. These 1,000 new jobs will help to strengthen Northern Ireland’s reputation as home to world-class universities and fantastic local talent and they will help to spotlight the region as an attractive hub for global business and future international investment.

There is fierce competition for jobs and investment globally but what set Northern Ireland apart on this occasion was the quality of local talent here as well as the innovative growth mindset displayed by our Northern Ireland team and our incredible clients.  The support received from Invest Northern Ireland and the Department for the Economy played an important role in making today happen and collectively we are very proud of the impact we know these 1,000 new jobs will have on the local economy.” 

Hywel Ball, EY UK Chair and UK and Ireland Managing Partner: EY is very proud to announce the creation of 1,000 new Jobs in EY Northern Ireland over the next five years. Today’s jobs announcement is a reflection of our commitment to accelerate the growth of our Northern Ireland practice in a way that will bolster the regional economy.  The support from Invest Northern Ireland and the Department for the Economy was an important component when it came to our decision to choose Northern Ireland as the location for this significant investment, as was the access we have here to an incredible talent pool, as well as the potential and ambition of our Northern Ireland practice.”   

Mike Brennan, DfE Permanent Secretary, said “This announcement of 1,000 new jobs by EY is excellent news for the local economy and a further endorsement of Northern Ireland as a rising global player in the fintech and professional services sector. This investment by EY strongly aligns with the innovation and inclusivity objectives of the Department’s 10X Economic Vision and will provide opportunities for individuals across Northern Ireland to enter the sector.

“My Department’s Assured Skills Academies will assist in filling 351 of these jobs across a range of roles and skills areas including Data and Analytics, Cyber Security, Procurement and Commercial Contract Management and Project and Programme Management. Assured Skills Academies have a track record of equipping participants with the skills employers need to flourish and grow. Furthermore, participants on these Assured Skills Academies who complete the training are guaranteed an interview for a role with EY and will be strongly positioned for success.”

Welcoming the investment, Mel Chittock, Interim CEO of Invest NI, said: “Over many years, Invest Northern Ireland has developed a strong, strategic partnership with EY’s local management, and we are delighted that the firm has chosen Northern Ireland against other competitive locations globally for this significant investment.

“It is clearly aligned with the objectives of the Department for the Economy’s 10X Economic Vision as securing this major mobile investment will contribute to a more regionally balanced economy by establishing a regional hub outside Belfast and a clear commitment by EY to positively provide opportunities for the economically inactive. It will also further raise the standing of Northern Ireland on the global stage, positioning it as a fintech and professional services powerhouse and helping to develop the innovation capabilities on which our future economy will be based.”

Removing Limits: VPN as a Solution Against Geo-Blocks

Have you ever attempted to watch a sports match that everyone is talking about only to discover that it isn’t accessible in your country? Perhaps you have tried to view a news website while a political event is taking place, but it has inexplicably become “unavailable.” For instance, have you ever stumbled upon a geo-restricted show like Married at First Sight Australia and wished for a magic key to unlock it? 

It is like being told you can only eat from one section of a large global buffet. That’s annoying, right? You shouldn’t worry, though, as here’s when the power of VPNs comes into play. This article discusses the role of our online hero, the VPN, which is our entry ticket to the vast digital buffet of content and more than just a nerdy tool. 

Let’s enter this world with actual stories and experiences rather than technical jargon.

VPNs are Not Just for the Tech Savvy 

VPNs are frequently thought of being sophisticated tools used only by IT experts, complete with complex setups. This impression, however, only scratches the surface. In essence, VPNs function similarly to universal adapters that you carry around for your gadgets when traveling. An adapter ensures that any device can plug into a foreign socket, just as a VPN ensures that access to global digital material is possible regardless of location. 

It’s not only about hiding your online tracks but also about gaining access to previously inaccessible stuff. In its capacity to democratize the digital experience and open up access to information and entertainment, VPNs truly shine. It’s time to abandon the misconception that VPNs are just privacy tools and acknowledge their contribution to the growth of a genuinely global online community.

Digital Boundaries: The Invisible Walls of the Web 

Imagine a busy digital metropolis with theaters, libraries, and bookshops along the streets. However, as you go around, you notice that some doors require particular keys to unlock and that some alleys are off-limits. This is the internet today, divided by censorship and geo-restrictions that are invisible barriers. 

It’s not just a show that’s restricted to a certain area; it’s also a local news article that’s muted or cultural content that’s protected by digital barriers. Although the internet was intended to be an infinite area, these checkpoints frequently control the story, affecting perceptions and access.

It’s a complex environment where the distinction between control and protection is blurred. In this environment, VPNs develop as gateways rather than merely tools, posing a bypass to these checkpoints and altering the boundaries of the digital world we call the internet.

The Digital Passports to Uncharted Territories

In the realm of this vast digital world, VPNs are like your very own universal passport, granting you access to those hidden cities and exclusive venues. But how?

 

  • Bypassing the barriers. Just as a key fits into a lock, VPNs navigate through the internet’s checkpoints, allowing users to experience content from distant corners of the digital world. Whether it’s a documentary exclusive to another region or a game only launched overseas, VPNs bridge that gap.
  • Global libraries at fingertips. Ever been curious about how a movie is received on the other side of the globe or what songs are topping the charts in a distant land? VPNs turn the vast ocean of the internet into a navigable river, bringing diverse content libraries to one’s doorstep.
  • News without borders. In an age where information is power, regional perspectives can sometimes skew the bigger picture. VPNs provide a lens to view events from multiple angles, ensuring a more holistic understanding.

By challenging the status quo and questioning the boundaries, VPNs are not just facilitating access; they’re reshaping the very fabric of the digital experience, ensuring that the internet remains a space of exploration and discovery.

Real-world Impacts of VPNs 

VPNs have fascinating technical details, but their practical uses really highlight how important they really are. Let’s look at some real-world examples:

 

  • Global learning platforms. Due to geographical restrictions, educators and students from all over the world frequently encounter difficulties accessing academic resources. These obstacles are removed by VPNs, which guarantee continuous access to international knowledge stores.
  • Business continuity. For multinational corporations, digital restrictions at the regional level might be a hindrance. With the help of VPNs, employees always have access to company resources, no matter where they are, providing smooth business continuity.
  • Cultural exchange. The languages of art, music, and film are all-inclusive. Regional streaming restrictions, however, may prevent some of this cultural interaction. VPNs are essential to ensuring that art crosses national boundaries and promotes appreciation around the world.

Navigating the VPN Landscape Responsibly

There is no denying the strength of VPNs, but tremendous power also comes with great responsibility. Here’s a peek inside the moral minefield:

 

  • Respect for content. Even while VPNs make it possible to access content from around the world, it’s important to remember that content providers also have rights. Their efforts are undermined when people get around paywalls or access pirated content.
  • Legal boundaries. VPNs can cross physical boundaries, but users must still be conscious of local laws in each country. Different jurisdictions have different perspectives on VPN activity.
  • Making well-informed choices. Selecting reputable VPN services and avoiding providers with dubious practices ensures customer data integrity and security.

An ethical approach to using VPNs guarantees that the instrument serves as a bridge to international material rather than a front door to danger.

Wrapping Up 

As the internet fights to keep its core value of freedom and unrestricted access alive, it is tougher with geo-blocking in place at every step of the way. VPNs stand in the way of online policing and content restrictions that have spread as fast as online media, allowing users to tunnel their way out. As long as you have a reliable, secure, and speedy VPN by your side, geo-blocking will be the least of your worries when blazing through the World Wide Web.

 

Audio Pioneer xMEMS Accelerates Global Growth with Launch of New Seminar Series: xMEMS Live – China 2023

Semiconductor pioneer xMEMS Labs today announced the launch of xMEMS Live – China 2023, a two-day seminar aimed at demonstrating the company’s ongoing support for Chinese consumer tech and audio brands through product demos, keynotes and in-depth tech-talk presentations that will take place on September 18th at the Renaissance Caohejing Hotel in Shanghai and on September 20th at the Westin Nanshan in Shenzhen. 

The announcement comes at a time when xMEMS is accelerating its global expansion to provide a growing customer base with advanced solid-state MEMS speakers for integration into True Wireless Stereo (TWS), In-Ear Monitor (IEM), hearing assistance and other personal audio devices. The seminar will feature xMEMS’ executives and engineering leaders who will review best practices for achieving end-product design success with xMEMS’ ground-breaking Solid-State Fidelity Solutions. 

“xMEMS is reinventing the way people experience sound through the world’s only all-silicon, monolithic MEMS micro speakers for personal audio products,” said Mike Housholder, VP of Marketing and Business Development of xMEMS. “With its dynamic tech ecosystem and strong audio manufacturing base, China represents a significant growth opportunity for the company as we continue to scale. xMEMS Live – China 2023 is an extraordinary way to engage with the brightest minds in this robust market to fully capitalize on our growth potential and solidify xMEMS’ position as the world leader in silicon-based MEMS speaker technology.”

xMEMS’ patented silicon-based speaker technology is slated to replace century-old coil speakers, allowing for high-volume, reliable mass production of solid-state speakers using semiconductor fabrication methods and resulting in more precise, higher fidelity, high-resolution audio.

Unlike conventional coil speakers, xMEMS speakers are monolithic with silicon membranes which offer 95x better material stiffness, leading to improved clarity and eliminating the muddy midrange and treble response created by traditional speaker membrane materials.

The silicon architecture also operates with a 150x faster impulse response compared with conventional speakers to allow for the most pulse-true and accurate sound reproduction, which is not possible with the slow attack and decay of coil architectures. 

Following its first product collaboration with Creative Technologies, a TWS earbud manufacturer in Singapore, xMEMS is continuing to accelerate customer momentum in key markets around the world, with new customer announcements slated for later this year. 

“As manufacturers try to stand out in the market and streamline their production efforts, xMEMS is uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional sound quality, comfort, and style to consumers, while our customers benefit from the inherent efficiencies unlocked by our world-first solid state semiconductor manufacturing process, which delivers a better sounding speaker with far greater production efficiency and product uniformity,” Housholder concluded. 

Tech Review – Creative ZEN AIR DOT

The Creative ZEN AIR DOT are the companies most affordable earbuds to date and come in a very small package overall and I have been testing these little guys out some time now and we are about to discuss what they have and what they do not have, when it comes to earbuds these days the cost to performance ratio is getting better and these come in at just 30 euro..

So do you get value for your 30 euro or are they fit for the bin? Well at this price there is obviously going to be things omitted from these earbuds but its down to the audio experience for most people these days and some like to have a certain level of functionality and for the price these will keep those people happy.

Remember now the price. So what is missing. No app access, no wireless charging, no auto play/pause, no option to each side when one is charging bar the left side, though to be fair this is common even on high end earbuds but just pointing this out and there is no volume control and the battery life is on the low side up to 24 hr hours depending on how you like your volume levels but again remember the price..

Creative ZEN AIR DOT true wireless – techbuzzireland

What do they have then.  Call controls skip and reverse tracks, voice assistant access and reset options are all present which is enough and we have got large drivers for small earbuds and dual mics so is that enough for your 30 euro?

They are small earbuds so sleep and fit well in the ears and look good, the case is tiny and fits in any pocket and overall in general one of the smallest cases this year so far and earbuds with a tiny stem that sport touch controls that worked really well for me on my testing. For calls these are surprisingly good for what you pay here with ENC built in and calls can be controlled easily on them too.

How they sound though given they have custom tuned 13.mm neodymium drivers  is what is important and having no app access at this time they are quite loud and super punchy, we have no EQ to deal with unless you have a third party app on your phone which most are utter rubbish but this is a pair of earbuds that just get the job done out of the box and no fiddling around with and give a pretty decent audio experience, they are not bassy not flat not sound tinny or distort on maxed out volumes and in general will keep most people who are not fussy happy and for the price what more do you really want.

Features 

Environmental Noise Cancellation

Dual Microphones

Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity

IPX4 rating

13 mm Neodymium drivers

BUY 

Video Review

Insert Coin to Continue: The Evolution of Payment Systems in Video Gaming

Video games have come a long way since the days of arcades and early home consoles. Alongside the advancements in graphics, gameplay mechanics, and storytelling, there has been a parallel evolution in how we pay for and access these virtual adventures. 

From the simple act of dropping a coin into an arcade machine to the complex world of microtransactions and subscription services, the payment systems in video gaming have undergone a fascinating transformation.

The Arcade Era: Insert Coin to Play

The arcade era, which began in the late 1970s and peaked in the 1980s and early 1990s, was the genesis of video game payment systems. In arcades, players would insert coins (usually quarters) into a slot on the game cabinet to play. This pay-per-play model was straightforward and immediate, allowing players to enjoy games in short bursts. The challenge was to master the game’s mechanics within a limited time frame, often leading to fierce competition among players.

This model encouraged game developers to create titles that were easy to pick up and play but difficult to master. The quicker a player lost, the more coins they would need to insert to continue playing, providing a steady stream of revenue for arcade owners.

Pay by phone bill deposits

In the ever-evolving landscape of video game payment systems, one of the most significant and convenient developments in recent years has been the introduction of phone bill casino deposits. This innovation has revolutionised how we pay for gaming and expanded the realm of online gambling and mobile gaming. Phone bill deposits, also known as “pay by phone” or “mobile billing” options, provide a seamless and user-friendly way for players to fund their gaming accounts.

As tech keeps improving, phone bill deposits are becoming smarter and more convenient and mobile casino sites like JeffBet now offer easy phone billing payment options offering a number phone billing payment solutions. With the integration of biometric authentication, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, mobile payments are becoming even more secure and convenient.

The Digital Age: Downloadable Content and Microtransactions

The digital age brought significant changes to payment systems in video gaming. Instead of purchasing physical copies of games, players began downloading them directly to their consoles or PCs. This shift paved the way for the introduction of downloadable content (DLC) and microtransactions, making it easier than ever to pay for games.

DLC allowed developers to extend the lifespan of their games by offering additional content, such as new levels, characters, and items, for a separate fee. Microtransactions, on the other hand, allowed players to make small in-game purchases, often for cosmetic items or power-ups. These microtransactions proved highly profitable for developers, as they encouraged players to spend small amounts of money frequently.

While some players appreciated the ability to customise their characters and enhance their gameplay experience, others felt that microtransactions created a pay-to-win environment where those who spent more money had a significant advantage.

The Battle Royale Phenomenon

The battle royale genre, popularised by games like “Fortnite” and “PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds,” introduced a unique approach to payment systems. These games are typically free to play, with revenue generated by selling in-game items and battle passes. Battle passes offer a tiered system of rewards that players can unlock by playing the game or purchasing the pass.

This model encourages players to invest time and money into the game to unlock exclusive cosmetics and rewards. It has been incredibly successful, with some battle royale games generating billions of dollars in revenue.

The Subscription Renaissance

In recent years, subscriptions have made a resurgence in the gaming industry. Services like Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Now, and Apple Arcade offer players access to a library of games for a monthly fee. These services provide a cost-effective way for players to enjoy a wide variety of games without purchasing each title individually.

Additionally, cloud gaming platforms like Google Stadia and NVIDIA GeForce NOW are exploring subscription-based models that allow players to stream games directly to their devices, eliminating the need for high-end gaming hardware.

The Future of Payment Systems in Gaming

As technology advances, gaming payment systems are likely to evolve further. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) gaming experiences may introduce new monetisation methods. Blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) could also play a role in the future of in-game item ownership and trading.

One thing is clear: the landscape of video game payment systems will continue to adapt to the preferences of players and the possibilities of technology. While debates about the ethics of microtransactions and the value of subscription services persist, the fundamental goal remains the same — to provide engaging and immersive gaming experiences to players worldwide, however, they choose to pay for them.

Conclusion

In the end, the evolution of payment systems in video gaming reflects the broader changes in technology and consumer preferences. From the days of inserting coins into arcade machines to the current era of subscription services and microtransactions, the gaming industry has continuously innovated to ensure both profitability and player satisfaction. 

As we look ahead, it will be fascinating to see how emerging technologies shape the future of video game monetisation and what new experiences await gamers in the years to come.